Rantanen Watched Landeskog’s AHL Return: ‘I Was Really Happy For Him’

Mikko Rantanen was one of many who tuned in to Gabriel Landeskog’s professional hockey return with the Colorado Eagles on April 11.

“I was happy to see him play there. I watched his first game, he looked good out there,” Rantanen said ahead of Game 2 between the Avalanche and Stars. “I talked with him after the game and I was really happy for him.”

Rantanen and Landeskog, along with Nathan MacKinnon, were once arguably the most dominant line in the NHL. The last time all three of them suited up in the same game, the Avs celebrated their Stanley Cup championship in Tampa Bay.

Now with the Dallas Stars, Rantanen, who was traded away from the Avs less than three months ago, is still keeping tabs on his friends.

“It’s been a grind for him, and he’s a good friend of mine. So I was happy to see him back on the ice,” he said.

Landeskog took part in the Avs’ optional morning skate on Monday, but head coach Jared Bednar would not announce if the captain is making his return for Game 2. All signs seem to be pointing toward it, but it’s hard to say until we get official word.

Even though Landeskog hasn’t played in nearly three years, Rantanen still believes the 32-year-old Swede could be a difference-maker.

“He’s a really good player so when he comes back we’ve got to be ready for him and obviously adjust our game,” Rantanen said. “Even though he missed a lot of time he’s still a veteran guy with a lot of experience so we gotta be ready.”

Puck drop for Game 2 is scheduled for 7:52 pm. MT.