Observations:

September 2017 – Rantanen is officially a graduate of this site after hitting 20 goals as an NHL rookie and looking to start 2017-18 on the top line. Hayden Soboleski

March 2017 – Rantanen didn't get off to the best start in his first full NHL campaign, but he seems to have come into form as the season is wrapping up. He has become the regular right-winger for MacKinnon, which is a fantastic place to be, and is nearing the 20-goal-mark which is should be considered a success. He certainly has more offence to give, and there's no reason's the Avs wouldn't continue giving him the time to show it next year; expect his 18 minutes TOI per night (including over 2 minutes of powerplay TOI) to stay the same next season, and his point totals to grow. Hayden Soboleski

October 2016 – After a brief stint in the AHL to recooperate his ankle sprain, Rantanen has been called up to the Avalanche. He is practicing alongside Nate MacKinnon, right where he should be. If Rantanen can keep this spot in the top-six alongside the talent Colorado has there, expect big things from the big rookie. Hayden Soboleski

September 2016 – Rantanen suffered a sprained ankle in the Avalanche's Rookie Tournament, putting him out 2-4 weeks. He may still very well make the opening night NHL roster as expected, but dont be surprised if he gets a brief AHL conditioning stint before jumping into the Avs' top-six. He is still absolutely NHL-bound this season. Hayden Soboleski

April 2016 – Rantanen was named 2015-16 co-rookie of the year, named an AHL second-team All-Star, and set the franchise record for goals by a rookie (24). Safe to say he is already fantasy relevant in dynasty leagues and should be on everyone's radar next year, especially in keeper leagues. Hayden Soboleski

March 2016 – Rantanen has been recalled by the Avalanche in a surprising move that may burn a year of his ELC if he stays for four games or more. With Duchene sidelined and the team in a battle for the last wildcard playoff spot, the Avs need all the scoring they can get and the AHL rookie star is their best bet to get it. Hayden Soboleski

February 2016 – Rantanen played in the AHL 2016 All-star game last month, and is up to 37 points, plus-25, and 22 PIM in 29 games in his rookie AHL season. This 19-year-old wont stay there for long . Hayden Soboleski

January 2016 – Quite the day for Rantanen – the Finnish captain won WJC gold and earned player-of-the-game in the final. He had two assists in a 2-1 semifinal win and a goal with 2 minutes to go in the gold medal game. He wasn't the relied-upon offensive threat on the team, but played well in all situations and stepped up every time he needed to. Hayden Soboleski

December 2015 – Rantanen will captain team Finland in the upcoming IIHF World Junior Championship. This will be his second year representing his country at this tournament and will be given a significant role with the club as one of its best scorers and biggest bodies. Hayden Soboleski

December 2015 – Rantanen has done nothing but ipress since being assigned to the AHL. He currently has a team-leading 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in 19 games to go along with a plus-14 rating, a powerplay goal, and even a shorthanded tally. He is earning big minutes with the Rampage and showing why many think he will be NHL-ready whenever the Avalanche make room for him in the top-six. Hayden Soboleski

October 2015 – Rantanen has been assigned to the AHL. After recieving very little ice-time as a member of the third line and a brief chance in the top-six, management decided the man-child would be better off playing a bigger role with the Rampage. Hayden Soboleski

October 2015 – After an impressive training camp and preseason, Rantanen has made the Avalanche to start the season. This does not appear to be merely a tryout, but his eligibility to play in the AHL will mean he has to play well to stay where he is. He is slated to start the season on the 3rd line with Soderberg and Rendulic, but coach Roy is no stranger to line-juggling and his skill could be used in the top-six. Rantanen has become immediately valuable in fantasy leagues, as he could be a multi-category producer. Hayden Soboleski

August 2015 – Rantanen served as captain of the Team Finland squad during the 2015 USA National Junior Evaluation Camp, scoring three points in five games. His playmaking skills and ability to use his size and strength to his advantage made him a standout at multiple points in camp. Hayden Soboleski

June 2015 – The Colorado Avalanche used their 10th overall selection on big skilled Finn Mikko Rantanen. Brendan Ross

February 2015 – Coming off an excellent World Junior showing and after impressing against men in Finland’s top professional league, Mikko Rantanen has shown scouts that he’s got Top 10 talent. He carried a Finnish team on his back at the WJC not only showcasing his silky playmaking abilities but unleashing a series of shots from his wicked shooting arsenal. He possesses a competitive motor, engages physically and wants to make a difference on every shift – all projectable character skills. Rantanen owns the size and willingness to engage physically in board battles and is efficient in high-traffic areas handling the puck. Beyond these impressive offensive attributes, Rantanen is a workhorse competitor, never giving up on a play. Through 45 games with TPS in Finland’s top league, the 18-year-old Rantanen has scored five times and picked up 19 points. Brendan Ross

Fantasy Outlook: A

Rantanen owns very promising pro tools – size, puck skills, hockey sense and high-end shooting abilities – and projects as a top-six skilled winger.

Footage:

2015 World Junior Rantanen Highlights:

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