Nathan MacKinnon on Mikko Rantanen: “Of course I’d like him to be part of the team again”

Earlier this year, the GM of the Colorado Avalanche made a huge deal by sending Mikko Rantanen to Carolina.

With this transaction, he cancelled out the possibility of losing the big Finn for absolutely nothing. And by sending him East, Chris MacFarland knew he’d only face him twice a season from now on, and possibly in the Stanley Cup Final.

He never thought he’d face him in the first round. But that’s exactly what happened, and Rantanen haunted his former team. In the last three games of the series, he collected 10 points, including a hat trick in game seven.

Rantanen est au sommet des pointeurs de la LNH en séries avec 12 points → https://t.co/pZEF1GMoni

— DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) May 4, 2025

If Rantanen hadn’t switched teams, the Avalanche would probably be in the next round right now… Not the Stars.

In any case, Nathan MacKinnon told a Finnish journalist on the sidelines of the World Championship that he wished he was still on the team. MacKinnon weighed his words carefully so as not to send his boss, Jack Drury and Martin Necas under the bus, but it’s pretty clear that Mack misses his friend.

It’s hard to say. I can’t really give an answer. I think both sides… I don’t know… Obviously, I’d like him to be part of the team, but he’s not. So I don’t really know what to say. – Nathan MacKinnon

While Rantanen is still alive and kicking with Dallas, the Avalanche’s superstar is off to Europe with Canada to take part in the World Championship.

Colorado’s 29, who won’t be wearing that number with Canada because of Marc-André Fleury, insists he still has hockey in the tank this year.

I just wanted to keep playing. It’s been a tough fall. Obviously, we wanted to win the Stanley Cup this year. – Nathan MacKinnon

The current playoff format has really held Jared Bednar’s team back. Because, personally, I would have seen the two clubs face off in the Western finals… not in the first round.

– Finally.

– Interesting read on the Jackets’ prospect.

– The CFL season is approaching.

– The Caps are really powered by youth right now.