The Mikko Rantanen saga now appears to be over as he's settled with the Dallas Stars, but now he's revealed that his original goal was to never leave Colorado.
Mikko Rantanen was traded not once, but twice before the trade deadline this season, ultimately ending with the Dallas Stars by signing a massive extension that will pay him $12 million annually over the next eight years.
Unsurprisingly, there's been plenty of emotion involved in the situation as he was moved to Carolina in a shocking deal before dealing with weeks of speculation before the next trade, but now he's settled in.
However, this isn't what No. 96 expected, as he has revealed that his original goal was to spend his entire career with the Colorado Avalanche before the trade that sent shockwaves around the entire NHL.
"Colorado was always where I wanted to stay, but I understand it's business and they made a decision. I tried my best in Carolina and I'm here now and I'm so happy to be here, locked in for eight years with a good team and with good coaches. I'm thankful for Dallas to have the trust in me."
It's unclear exactly why this had to play out this way, as many believe an 8x12 deal in Colorado would have made plenty of sense for the star winger, but ultimately the team have made their decision and have gone in a very different direction as a franchise.
Ultimately, this situation could have played out so much better for everyone involved, but now things are done and both parties have to move along, and with the Stars visiting Colorado this weekend, it's going to make for a very interesting occasion for both of these teams.
This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.
