Finnish ice hockey ace Mikko Rantanen is a forward and alternative captain for the National Hockey League (NHL)’s Colorado Avalanche. With a formidable 6’4”, 209 pound frame, Rantanen has earned a reputation as a strong, big and mobile power forward with an explosive shot, smooth hands and plenty of hockey sense. Always a consistent threat on the ice, he is a reliable and hard competitor and a clever, two-way forward with excellent decision-making capabilities. Rantanen has been performing at superstar levels with his linemates Nathan McKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog, and the unstoppable trio are widely considered the best line in the league. In 2022 Rantanen helped the Avalanche win the coveted Stanley Cup.

Born in Nousiainen, Finland, the star forward made his professional debut in the Finnish SM-liiga playing for HC TPS when he was just 16 years old. By the time he reached his NHL draft eligible year he was the top rated European skater, and was drafted tenth overall by the Avalanche in the 2015 Entry Draft.

Rantanen’s international performance playing for Finland at the World Junior Championships in 2015 had helped make his status as top international draft prospect clear, as he impressed scouts scoring four of his country’s eight goals. In 2016 he was loaned by the Avalanche to the Finnish junior team for the 2016 World Junior Championships. As Captain, he capped his junior career with a gold medal after scoring in the final against Russia.