Rantanen Speaks to Avs Media for First Time Since Trade

Avalanche media spoke to Mikko Rantanen on Saturday for the first time since he signed an eight-year contract with the Dallas Stars worth $12 million per year.

The Finnish forward was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in a surprising move that brought Martin Necas to the Avs on Jan. 24. He entertained possible offers from several teams ahead of the trade deadline, including the Canes, but signed with the Stars for the long-term deal.

Rantanen was drafted by the Avs in 2015 and spent nearly 10 years with the team before the shocking blockbuster trade. It will be his first time back in Ball Arena since the move and he is apprehensive about how he will be received.

“First thing you want to say is to thank the organization, the fans, the players, the coaches. For last 10 years, it was amazing time in here and successful time for our team here,” Rantanen told Avs media. “That’s the first thing I want to say, just thank the fans and for the support.”

Watch Rantanen’s full interview below.

How will Avs Faithful react to Rantanen’s return? We shall see when the Stars take the ice for pregame warmups.