Former NHL defenseman calls out Mikko Rantanen after critical loss to Colorado Avalanche

The 2025 NHL playoffs officially got underway yesterday as the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets kicked off their series as well as the Avalanche and Stars in the Western Conference.

The Jets took the early series advantage thanks to a late goal from Kyle Connor while the Avalanche earned the game one victory thanks to an all-around valiant team effort.

Of course, Stars forward Mikko Rantanen is at the center of attention in that series due to the fact that he started the season with Colorado.

He was first traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, but was then moved again in a surprise deal that sent him to the Dallas Stars with an eight-year contract extension.

The drama continued though as Rantanen shared his story as to what went down prior to the trade deadline.

Apparently, Rantanen told the Avalanche he wanted a long-term extension, but the team traded him anyways.

So far, the Avalanche look like they did the right thing as Rantanen was not a positive factor in game one.

He went -2 with three shots on goal in a little over 18 minutes of ice time in the game.

Former NHL defenseman Ryan Whitney drew attention to this as he was largely invisible, in stark contrast to Martin Necas, who was acquired by the Avalanche when Rantanen was moved to Carolina.

Necas had an assist in the 5-1 victory. Of course, the Stars trade for Rantanen was part of their long-term plan, but this season is part of their competitive window.

Granted, with Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson both sidelined, the Avalanche very well could earn the series victory as the first step to a long playoff run.