Avalanche prepare for their first full season without one of their biggest weapons
Photo credit: New York Post
The Colorado Avalanche are preparing to face a major adjustment as they head into their first full season without former superstar forward Mikko Rantanen, a player who had been a central figure in their offense for years.
Few players have had a season as tumultuous as Rantanen's last season, as he suited up for three different teams before ultimately landing with the Dallas Stars.
Avalanche prepare for their first full season without Mikko Rantanen.
Patrick Smith from Dallas Sports Nation writes that after landing with the Avalanche in what became the biggest blockbuster trade in franchise history, Rantanen spent eight years making that team his home.
Now, entering the first year of his extension with the Stars, he will play his first season in a uniform. Expectations are high for the superstar, who has maintained a career pace of over a point per game, and he faces significant pressure to deliver for Dallas next season.
The Stars couldn't have asked for a more intriguing first-round matchup. Rantanen, who spent many years with the Avalanche, now faces his former team in his first playoff series with Dallas.
"Playing against your old team is one thing but he played on the Avalanche in the same season. Popping off in the playoffs is a good way to cement your stardom in the hearts of a fanbase. He recorded a hat trick in the 3rd period of Game 7 against the Avalanche, single-handedly completing the comeback in a destitute-looking game." -Smith
Rantanen begins his first full season with the Stars, carrying the pressure to deliver. Maintaining his point-per-game pace is a good start, and his $12 million salary makes him the only Star ever earning over $10 million per year. Expectations are high for him to solidify his superstar status and legacy.
"The Stars have high hopes for a superstar like Rantanen. It's possible that he is the missing puzzle piece that can help secure the Stars their 2nd Stanley Cup in franchise history. 26 years is a long time to go without a title." -Smith
Rantanen has the potential to make a big impact as the Stars' championship window remains wide open for the coming years.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 5 | 15 ANSWERS Avalanche prepare for their first full season without one of their biggest weapons Who will have a better individual season? | ||
| Nathan MacKinnon | 14 | 93.3 % |
| Mikko Rantanen | 1 | 6.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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