When does Mikko Rantanen play his first game against Avalanche in Colorado after blockbuster trade to Dallas Stars?

Dallas Stars' trade deadline acquisition Mikko Rantanen is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. However, it hasn't been smooth sailing for the 28-year-old Finnish winger, who has played for three different teams this season.

Rantanen was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In January, the Colorado Avalanche traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes as part of a blockbuster three-team deal.

His future remained uncertain until, after 13 games, the Hurricanes traded him to the Dallas Stars on the final day of the March trade deadline. Rantanen has embarked on a new chapter with the Stars and faces an emotional return when he plays against his former team, the Avalanche.

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The Stars are scheduled to travel to Ball Arena to take on the Avalanche on Sunday. According to reports, Mikko Rantanen was saddened and taken by surprise when the Avalanche traded him to the Hurricanes.

It will be interesting to see how Rantanen responds when he steps back onto the ice at Ball Arena, where he spent a decade, on Sunday.

Mikko Rantanen on why he joined the Dallas Stars

Mikko Rantanen was the most sought-after player at the trade deadline, with numerous contenders vying for him, but he eventually chose to join the Stars.

Before his debut against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday, Rantanen opened up about his decision to join Dallas:

"Well, I just know how good the team is, obviously. I like the whole setup they have. I’ve played against them a lot, and I knew some guys from before. Just a really good team overall.

"I think it was last week. Obviously, it was a shock, and I didn’t want it to happen at that time. But then I just had to look at all the options. … But I had to look at it from all angles, and this was my decision," Rantanen explained.

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Mikko Rantanen subsequently signed an eight-year, $96 million, contract with the Stars following his trade from the Hurricanes. In two games, the Finnish winger has accumulated as many goals with three points.

This season, he has notched up 73 points, including 29 goals and 44 assists, during his 64-game stint with three teams. The Dallas Stars are second in the Central Division with 86 points.

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Bhargav