In a shocking move back in January, Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland traded star forward Mikko Rantanen.
On Saturday night, Rantanen delivered the ultimate payback, eliminating the Avalanche from the playoffs in Game 7—now wearing a Dallas Stars jersey.
Though originally dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes, Rantanen ultimately landed in Dallas, where he’s now chasing a second Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, the Avs are left watching from home.
His performance couldn’t have been more painful for Colorado fans—Rantanen recorded a hat trick in the third period to erase a 2-0 deficit and added an assist in a stunning 4-2 comeback victory. It was a historic night in more ways than one.
It’s hard to fathom, considering the Avs shipped him out just six weeks before the trade deadline instead of trying to negotiate a long-term extension.
As Stars coach Pete DeBoer put it, Rantanen “took over the series”—a statement the stats clearly support.
For Avalanche fans, there’s no silver lining today. A season once full of championship hopes ended in heartbreak—delivered by a former fan favorite.
The offseason promises reflection and likely big changes. But until next year’s playoffs, Colorado is left with only bitter memories of a Game 7 collapse.
And while they regroup, Mikko Rantanen keeps chasing glory on the ice.
