Denver – Mikko Rantanen hit his heart while the video screen showed highlights in the first period of his avalanche career in Colorado, culminating with him hoisting the Stanley Cup.
The crowd welcomed it on Sunday with a mixture of “moose” acclamations – its nickname – and, of course, hoots.
Formerly fans favorite, Rantanen is now a fierce rival after his arrival with Central Division-Foe Dallas. And for the first time in his NHL career, Rantanen was a visitor in a building he called to the house for a decade.
No surprise, he heard the most hoots when his name was announced on a decisive pass to establish the first goal of the game for the stars.
“It’s always emotional,” said Dallas coach Pete Deboer, before Rantanen’s return. “The good news is that you should only do it once, then it is in the rear view mirror. We will go through this today, then move forward. »»
It was a whirlwind of emotions for Rantanen since he was exchanged in Caroline on January 24. This particular decision took it off guard and broke the electric twinning with Nathan Mackinnon. Rantanen, the 10th global selection of Colorado in 2015, was to be a free agent this summer and thought that the parties simply negotiated.
“In the end, I always wanted to stay in Colorado,” said Rantanen on Saturday. “It was the plan, and that is also what I said to the front office. I told them face to face that I was going to be flexible, but I understand. Better players that I were exchanged in the history of the NHL. So it happens. This is part of the company.
Rantanen was a popular figure in the locker room and helped the avalanche as the Stanley 2022 Cup. His name remains everywhere on the list of career leaders of the franchise, including the sixth top scorer with 287.
As part of a trade with three teams that landed Rantanen in Caroline, the avalanche received attackers Martin Necas and Jack Drury.
“I went there with an open mind to play in the long term,” said Rantanen. “I did my best.”
He played 13 games with the Hurricanes and scored two goals and four assists.
On March 7, Carolina sent Rantanen to the stars for striker Logan Stankoven and the draft choices. Rantanen has signed a $ 96 million contract over eight years.
“I am very happy to be here now,” said Rantanen, who played in his fourth game with the stars on Sunday. “It’s a good team, and they have succeeded, have succeeded in the past two years. They have a good, young nucleus, super coach, so that’s good. »»
He was not sure of how his reception with avalanche fans would go.
“As I said on several occasions, I never wanted to leave. It was not as if I had asked to leave, “said Rantanen. “I have good memories here.”
