Mikko Rantanen: From Finnish Prodigy to NHL Star

Mikko Rantanen is a professional ice hockey player from Finland. He was born on October 29, 1996, in a small town called Nousiainen. Today, he is one of the top players in the NHL (National Hockey League), playing for the Dallas Stars. Rantanen is known for being tall (6 feet 4 inches), strong, and very skilled with the puck. His mix of size, speed, and smart play makes him a dangerous player for any opponent.

Starting Out in Finland, Rantanen began playing professional hockey when he was just 16 years old. He played for a team in Finland called HC TPS in the country’s top league. Even though he was very young, he played against much older and more experienced players and did very well. This helped him get better quickly.

In 2015, when he was 18, he was picked by the Colorado Avalanche as the 10th overall pick in the NHL Draft. That means he was chosen as the 10th best young player in the world that year.

Becoming a Star in the NHL

After being drafted, Rantanen moved to North America to play in the NHL. He spent a little time in the minor leagues with the San Antonio Rampage, where he was named the best rookie of the year. Then, he started playing full-time for the Colorado Avalanche.

Rantanen quickly became one of Colorado’s best players. In the 2017–2018 season, he had a breakout year, scoring 29 goals and 55 assists—84 points total. He played on a line with star player Nathan MacKinnon, and the two became one of the best duos in the NHL.

In the 2022–2023 season, Rantanen scored 50 goals and had 105 points. That made him only the third Finnish player ever to score 50 goals in one season, joining legends like Teemu Selänne and Jari Kurri. That same season, he helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup, which is the NHL’s biggest prize.

Big Changes in 2025. In early 2025, things changed. Rantanen and the Avalanche couldn’t agree on a new contract. Because of this, the team traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes. But after just 13 games, he was traded again—this time to the Dallas Stars.

Dallas wanted Rantanen for the long term. Right after trading for him, they signed him to an 8-year contract worth $96 million. That’s $12 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league.

A Hero in Dallas

Rantanen didn’t take long to show his value. In the 2025 playoffs, the Dallas Stars played against his old team, the Colorado Avalanche, in the first round. In Game 7—the final and most important game of the series—Rantanen had an amazing night. He scored three goals in the third period (called a “hat trick”) and helped Dallas win 4–2. It was a special moment, showing why he is considered one of the best players in hockey.

Playing for Finland, Rantanen has also played for his home country many times. One of his biggest international wins came in 2016, when he helped Finland win the gold medal at the World Junior Championship. He was the captain of the team and scored important goals in the semifinals and final.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Rantanen has won many awards and honors. He has been picked for the NHL All-Star Game more than once and has been named one of the league’s top players several times.

Conclusion

Mikko Rantanen’s journey from a small town in Finland to the bright lights of the NHL is impressive. He worked hard, stayed focused, and always gave his best on the ice. Whether playing for his country or his NHL team, he has proven to be a leader and a star. Now with the Dallas Stars, fans are excited to see what he does next.