Dallas, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Mikko Rantanen has signed an eight-year contract extension worth $96 million with the Dallas Stars, making it the most expensive contract in the franchise’s history. After moving through three teams in a short period, Rantanen showcased his impressive on-ice skills, contributing significantly to the Stars during his playoff debut. With a record of high scoring and leadership, Rantanen’s continued presence is expected to elevate the team’s performance as the season progresses, especially during upcoming games against his former teams.
Dallas — He signed an eight-year contract extension worth $96 million with Dallas, the most expensive contract in franchise history.
Key details
Mikko Rantanen agreed to remain with the Dallas Stars on an eight-year deal that sets a new franchise salary record. Rantanen went through three teams (Colorado, Carolina, and Dallas) in a six-week span last season. The Stars completed the deal following a blockbuster trade that brought Rantanen to Dallas late in the previous season.
Immediate impact and statistics
Rantanen averaged more than a point per game throughout his 10 NHL seasons. He had a remarkable playoff performance after joining Dallas, including 18 points (5 goals) in 20 regular season games. In the playoffs, Rantanen contributed 22 points (9 goals) in 18 games, achieving back-to-back hat tricks and setting an NHL playoff record by being involved in 13 consecutive goals. He scored four points in Game 6 and another four in Game 7 against the Avalanche, culminating in his first career playoff hat trick in the latter match.
Career totals and background
Rantanen has 705 points (294 goals, 411 assists) in 652 career regular-season games, primarily with Colorado. He also has 123 points (43 goals) in 99 playoff games to date. He was drafted 10th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2015 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut shortly before his 19th birthday. Rantanen was part of the Avalanche team that won the Stanley Cup in 2022.
Roster moves and trade details
Rantanen was traded to Carolina on January 24 but played only 13 games for them before being moved to Dallas. The trade to Dallas included promising young forward Logan Stankoven, along with two first-round picks and two third-round picks.
Team context and management perspective
Jim Nill, General Manager of the Stars, noted Rantanen’s need for stability for mental wellness. Rantanen, who turns 29 on October 29, has become a significant presence on the Stars. New Stars coach Glen Gulutzan expressed excitement to have Rantanen on the team after previously competing against him.
Season outlook and recent form
Rantanen had a full offseason before starting with the Dallas Stars. Before being traded, Rantanen ranked high in points and goals with the Avalanche during the regular season. Carolina’s coach claimed Rantanen had a list of preferred teams that did not include the Hurricanes, a claim Rantanen denied. Rantanen stated he had an open mindset while in Carolina, believing in the potential of the franchise.
What’s next
The Stars will face Winnipeg and Colorado in upcoming games, marking Rantanen’s return to play against his former franchise. Team management and coaching staff will look to integrate Rantanen’s scoring, playoff experience, and leadership over the length of the new contract.
FAQ
What contract did Mikko Rantanen sign with the Dallas Stars?
He signed an eight-year contract extension worth $96 million with Dallas, the most expensive contract in franchise history.
How many teams did Rantanen move through last season?
Rantanen went through three teams (Colorado, Carolina, and Dallas) in a six-week span last season.
How has Rantanen performed across his NHL career?
Rantanen averaged more than a point per game throughout his 10 NHL seasons.
What were Rantanen’s contributions after joining Dallas late in the season?
He had a remarkable playoff performance after joining Dallas, including 18 points (5 goals) in 20 regular season games.
How did Rantanen perform in the playoffs after the trade?
In the playoffs, Rantanen contributed 22 points (9 goals) in 18 games, achieving back-to-back hat tricks and setting an NHL playoff record by being involved in 13 consecutive goals.
What notable single-game playoff performances did Rantanen have?
He scored four points in Game 6 and another four in Game 7 against the Avalanche, culminating in his first career playoff hat trick in the latter match.
What are Rantanen’s career regular-season and playoff totals?
Rantanen has 705 points (294 goals, 411 assists) in 652 career regular-season games, primarily with Colorado. He also has 123 points (43 goals) in 99 playoff games to date.
When was Rantanen drafted and what early career milestones did he reach?
He was drafted 10th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2015 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut shortly before his 19th birthday.
Was Rantanen part of a Stanley Cup-winning team?
Rantanen was part of the Avalanche team that won the Stanley Cup in 2022.
What were the specifics of Rantanen’s trades to Carolina and Dallas?
Rantanen was traded to Carolina on January 24 but played only 13 games for them before being moved to Dallas. The trade to Dallas included promising young forward Logan Stankoven, along with two first-round picks and two third-round picks.
What upcoming games will mark Rantanen’s return to former teams?
The Stars will face Winnipeg and Colorado in upcoming games, marking Rantanen’s return to play against his former franchise.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Contract | He signed an eight-year contract extension worth $96 million with Dallas, the most expensive contract in franchise history. |
| Team movement | Rantanen went through three teams (Colorado, Carolina, and Dallas) in a six-week span last season. |
| Regular-season scoring | Rantanen averaged more than a point per game throughout his 10 NHL seasons. |
| Short-term Dallas impact | He had a remarkable playoff performance after joining Dallas, including 18 points (5 goals) in 20 regular season games. |
| Playoff totals | In the playoffs, Rantanen contributed 22 points (9 goals) in 18 games, achieving back-to-back hat tricks and setting an NHL playoff record by being involved in 13 consecutive goals. |
| Career totals | Rantanen has 705 points (294 goals, 411 assists) in 652 career regular-season games, primarily with Colorado. He also has 123 points (43 goals) in 99 playoff games to date. |
| Draft and early debut | He was drafted 10th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2015 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut shortly before his 19th birthday. |
| Stanley Cup | Rantanen was part of the Avalanche team that won the Stanley Cup in 2022. |
| Trade specifics | The trade to Dallas included promising young forward Logan Stankoven, along with two first-round picks and two third-round picks. |
| Upcoming opponents | The Stars will face Winnipeg and Colorado in upcoming games, marking Rantanen’s return to play against his former franchise. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Logan Stankoven’s New Journey with the Carolina Hurricanes
Additional Resources
- Pique News Magazine: Mikko Rantanen’s Settlement with Dallas Stars
- Wikipedia: Mikko Rantanen
- ESPN: Mikko Rantanen’s Happiness in Dallas
- Google Search: Mikko Rantanen
- NHL: Dallas Stars Acquire Mikko Rantanen
- Google Scholar: Mikko Rantanen
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
