Rantanen’s departure from Colorado to the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this season was a stunning decision by Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland, driven by the need to secure the future of the franchise. The trade, while shocking, was initially seen as a way to prevent the team from losing the star winger for nothing in free agency, and sending him to the Eastern Conference meant the Avalanche would rarely see him again.
But fate had other plans.
In a surprising first-round matchup, Rantanen and the Hurricanes faced Colorado, and the former Avalanche star made sure to make his mark. Over the course of the series, Rantanen tallied 10 points in just three games, including a sensational hat trick in Game 7, which ultimately led to Colorado’s elimination. The sting of the playoff loss was intensified by the fact that Rantanen’s brilliance helped push his former team out of contention.
Amid the disappointment, one voice stood out: Nathan MacKinnon. Speaking to Finnish reporters at the IIHF World Championship, MacKinnon admitted that he wished Rantanen were still with the Avalanche.
“Of course I’d like him to be part of the team again. He’s one of my best friends and one of the best players in the world. It was tough seeing him in another jersey—especially when he was lighting us up,” MacKinnon shared.
MacKinnon’s words didn’t go unnoticed by the Avalanche front office, who had already been considering a move to bring Rantanen back to Colorado. With the team’s playoff run cut short, the opportunity to make a deal resurfaced, and MacFarland quickly found a way to reunite the star duo. The exact details of the trade are still under wraps, but sources suggest the Avalanche were willing to give up future assets in exchange for securing Rantanen’s return.
Rantanen, who had been playing with Carolina throughout the playoffs, expressed his excitement about rejoining his old team. “Colorado is home to me. It feels right to be back where it all started. It was tough to be on the other side, but I’m thrilled to be returning to a place that means so much to me,” he said.
With Rantanen back in the fold, Colorado’s core is now stronger than ever, and the hopes of a Stanley Cup run next season are once again alive. MacKinnon couldn’t hide his enthusiasm when hearing the news.
“We’ve got the band back together! Mikko is a key part of what we do, and I’m just excited to have him back on the ice with us. We’ve got unfinished business, and this time, we’ll make it count,” MacKinnon said.
The Avalanche are expected to make an official announcement soon, but the reunion of these two stars is already sending ripples of excitement through Colorado’s fanbase. With the core trio of MacKinnon, Rantanen, and captain Gabriel Landeskog now reunited, the team looks poised to make another run at the Cup in the coming season.
For now, the Avalanche and their fans are basking in the sweet news of a dream reunion, as the next chapter of their championship journey begins.
