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Stars' Mikko Rantanen Reveals Truth Behind Avalanche Exit
Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Mikko Rantanen had only played for one franchise throughout his career, but that changed sooner than he expected when the Colorado Avalanche traded him in January.

Now playing for the Dallas Stars, Rantanen revealed that he never planned to leave Colorado. The 28-year-old forward addressed his exit in a press conference on Saturday

Rantanen said that he had expressed a desire to remain with the team while talking to the Avs front office before he was abruptly dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes.

“Six weeks before the deadline, we were still negotiating at that point, and I felt at that time I needed to go talk to front office, which I did, face to face,” Rantanen said. “I told them I’ll be flexible, and I want to play here for a long time. 

”Then a couple days later they traded me.”

The deal sent Rantanen to Carolina in a blockbuster move on Jan. 24, marking the end of his 10-season tenure with the Avalanche.

However, his stint with the Hurricanes was short-lived. After just 13 games, he was moved again, this time to the Stars at the trade deadline.

“I heard about something that (choosing Dallas) was a family decision. That was not true at all,” Rantanen said. “It was a hockey decision at the end of the day—my hockey career. 

”Family will come wherever I want to go.”

Rantanen signed an eight-year, $96 million extension with Dallas following the trade, ensuring his long-term future with the team. 

Since joining the Stars, he has quickly made an impact, recording three points (two goals, one assist) while playing on the top line.

“I wouldn’t be a rental or possibly a free agent, so they could get something back from me,” Rantanen said. “We’re a good team. So that was one reason why Dallas was on my list at the end of the day, and I’m very happy to be here now. It’s a good team, and they’ve been good.”

Rantanen returns to Colorado on Sunday when the Stars face the Avalanche in Denver.

“It’s going to be weird, for sure,” Rantanen said. “You spend nine-10 years in one organization, and you get to know the city. 

"Then change comes, and you have to go back there and play in the visitors’ room, so it’s going to be different."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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