DENVER (AP) — Mikko Rantanen returned to Ball Arena on March 16, 2025, and the emotional atmosphere was palpable as fans welcomed back their former star. The Dallas Stars forward was greeted with a mixture of cheers and boos, reflecting his complicated legacy with the Colorado Avalanche after spending ten seasons with them and helping them capture the Stanley Cup in 2022.
Highlights from Rantanen's Avalanche career played on the video screen, inducing cheers of "Moose," his nickname. Yet, as is the nature of sports rivalries, boos echoed through the arena, especially when his name was announced on the ice during play. He assisted on the Stars’ first goal of the game, leading to the polarizing reactions from the crowd.
Following his emotional return, Stars coach Pete DeBoer acknowledged the whirlwind of feelings surrounding Rantanen's situation. "It’s always emotional for Rantanen’s return,” he commented before the match. “The good news is you only have to do it once, and then it’s behind you.” Rantanen himself expressed mixed feelings, stating prior to the game, “I always wanted to stay in Colorado. That was the plan, and that's what I told the front office.”
Rantanen was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes on January 24, 2025, after contract negotiations broke down. Subsequently, he appeared for the Hurricanes for just 13 games, where he scored two goals and made four assists, before he was traded to the Stars on March 7, 2025. Rantanen then signed an eight-year, $96 million contract, reiterative of his strong value and potential impact on the ice.
The highly publicized game held significant ramifications for both teams as they approach the NHL playoffs. The Avalanche (40-24-3) were seeking to close the gap behind the Stars (42-21-2), with only three points separating the two teams as of game day, and the Stars holding two games of leverage. Colorado, buoyed by an impressive winning streak at home, was aiming for their eighth straight victory at Ball Arena, having not lost there since January 22, 2025.
To the game itself, the Avalanche demonstrated dominance for much of the first three periods, appearing poised for victory. Cale Makar shone brightly with his skills on the ice, setting the tone and eventually scoring the decisive goal 34 seconds after overtime began, securing the Avalanche's 4-3 victory. Prior to Makar winning the match, teammates Nathan MacKinnon and Scott Wedgewood aided the cause; Wedgewood made 20 saves throughout the match.
Fans witnessed high tension as the Stars made a frantic push late, scoring two goals within 20 seconds to tie the game just when the Avalanche seemed to have control. Mavrik Bourque and Matt Duchene tallied back-to-back goals, showcasing Dallas's resilience.
Even amid the exhilarating game, Rantanen remained at the heart of discussions. Avalanche fans, still harboring fondness for him, honored him with a tribute video during the first period, leading to applause and supportive chants, followed by boos as he participated actively against his former team.
Rantanen acknowledged the complexity of the emotions surrounding his return, saying, “I went there [Carolina] with an open mind to play there long term. I tried my best.” Now, he’s settled within the Stars’ system, having already made notable contributions with two goals and one assist since joining.
Despite the game’s outcome, Rantanen’s performance and the affectionate welcome he received stand as testaments to the impact he left on Colorado hockey. “I’m very happy to be here now,” he remarked about his time with the Stars amid reflecting on his previous chapter with the Avalanche.
Looking to the future, the competition between the Stars and Avalanche paints a thrilling picture for hockey fans. With both teams remaining top contenders for the Stanley Cup, this electrifying game marked not just Rantanen’s return but also serves as a propulsive force leading the way toward the playoffs.
“It’s going to be hard if we meet [in the playoffs]. They’re such a deep team,” Makar said. “I think it’s inevitable we’ll see them again.”
All eyes remain on these two fierce rivals as they gear up for the postseason, building anticipation for another round of thrilling hockey.