Rantanen Looks Forward to Warm Reception from Colorado Fans in Denver Match

Dallas Stars forward **[Mikko Rantanen](https://www.nhl.com/player/mikko-rantanen-8480036)** expressed his feelings ahead of the upcoming game against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche, in Denver. The match is scheduled for the evening of March 16, starting at 10:30 PM MSK.

“It’s clear that this will be an emotional experience for me. I played for a long time in front of those amazing fans in Denver. I hope to receive a warm welcome from them. As I’ve mentioned several times, I never wanted to leave. It didn’t feel like I was asking to be traded, and I have many fond memories of that place,” Rantanen stated, according to an NHL press release.

For context, during the current season, Rantanen was traded from the Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes and subsequently moved from Carolina to Dallas in exchange for two first-round draft picks (2026, 2028), two third-round picks (2026, 2027), and forward Logan Stankoven.