Mikko Rantanen’s near trade to Edmonton Oilers stirs debate among fans after $96 million deal with Dallas

In the world of the NHL, trade rumors and player movement are often hot topics, but when they involve a star player like Mikko Rantanen, the discussion becomes especially heated. Recently, rumors swirled that the Colorado Avalanche forward was nearly traded to the Edmonton Oilers, a move that could have changed the trajectory of both teams. However, in a twist that few saw coming, Rantanen ultimately inked a $96 million deal with the Dallas Stars, leaving fans and analysts alike to ponder the implications of this deal and what might have been.

This unexpected turn of events, combined with the initial trade rumors, has stirred a firestorm of debate among fans, pundits, and even within the NHL community itself. Questions abound about the possible benefits of a trade to Edmonton versus Rantanen’s decision to join Dallas, as well as the potential long-term effects on the Colorado Avalanche, the Oilers, and the Stars.

Mikko Rantanen’s Path to Prominence

To fully appreciate the debate surrounding Mikko Rantanen’s near trade and his eventual signing with Dallas, we must first examine his career trajectory. Rantanen, originally drafted 10th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2015 NHL Draft, quickly made a name for himself as one of the league’s most dynamic forwards. Over the years, he developed into a cornerstone player for the Avalanche, showcasing not only his scoring prowess but his all-around game. His combination of size, skill, and vision on the ice has made him one of the most dangerous players in the league.

Rantanen’s impressive regular season performances and consistency have earned him multiple All-Star selections and helped elevate Colorado to a perennial Stanley Cup contender. However, despite his individual success and the team’s growth, the prospect of him leaving Colorado for another franchise has been a subject of frequent discussion. The 2025 offseason, in particular, was one of the most eventful and uncertain for Rantanen.

The Edmonton Oilers Trade Rumor

The Edmonton Oilers, a team with superstar talent like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, has long been in need of additional scoring depth to complement their already potent top six. While the team boasts an elite offensive core, it has struggled with consistency on the wings and in providing secondary scoring. In the months leading up to the trade deadline, speculation mounted that Edmonton might make a significant move to bolster their roster. This speculation intensified when rumors surfaced that the Oilers had targeted Mikko Rantanen as a potential trade acquisition.

The trade rumors began to gain steam after reports indicated that the Avalanche were open to moving Rantanen if the price was right. With Colorado seeking to balance their cap space and bring in additional talent to solidify their defense and goaltending, it made sense that they would consider moving a high-profile player like Rantanen. Edmonton, flush with top-tier prospects and draft picks, appeared to be a perfect suitor for a trade, especially since Rantanen’s style of play would seamlessly fit alongside McDavid and Draisaitl.

However, despite the growing speculation and apparent interest from both sides, the trade ultimately did not materialize. Sources within the Oilers’ front office suggested that they had hesitated due to the high price Colorado was asking, both in terms of draft picks and prospects. Additionally, there was uncertainty over whether Rantanen would be able to fit into the Oilers’ salary structure without creating significant long-term cap issues. Ultimately, the deal fell apart, and Edmonton turned its attention elsewhere as the trade deadline passed.

Mikko Rantanen’s $96 Million Deal with Dallas

As the trade rumors faded, few could have predicted that Mikko Rantanen would end up with the Dallas Stars. In a stunning turn of events, Rantanen signed a $96 million, 8-year contract with Dallas, marking a significant shift in both his career and the trajectory of the Stars’ franchise. The signing stunned many, particularly given the fact that the Stars were not initially considered serious contenders for Rantanen’s services.

Why did Rantanen choose Dallas? For starters, the Stars offered him the financial security and long-term commitment that few other teams could match. The deal, which includes a substantial $12 million per year salary, reflects not only Rantanen’s skill and value to the franchise but also the team’s belief in his ability to help them contend for a Stanley Cup. Dallas had previously made strides in the postseason and was on the brink of being a true contender, and Rantanen was seen as the missing piece to push them over the top.

Additionally, Dallas’ roster boasted a solid mix of experienced veterans and young talent, including players like Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn, and rising star Jason Robertson. Rantanen’s addition to the team added another dimension to their already impressive offense, providing them with a dangerous scoring option that could complement the playmaking abilities of Seguin and Benn. From a hockey standpoint, it made perfect sense for Rantanen to join a team on the rise with a bright future ahead of them.

However, beyond the financial and hockey-related reasons, Rantanen may have also been motivated by the opportunity for a fresh start. After spending his entire career in Colorado, joining a new team like Dallas gave him the chance to embark on a new chapter and challenge himself in a different environment. In many ways, the move to Dallas represented a new horizon for Rantanen and his career.

The Debate Among Fans: Edmonton vs. Dallas

With Rantanen now officially signed with the Stars, the debate among fans regarding the potential trade to Edmonton has only intensified. Many fans feel that Rantanen would have been a perfect fit alongside McDavid and Draisaitl in Edmonton. The Oilers have struggled with secondary scoring behind their two stars, and the addition of a player like Rantanen could have provided them with a formidable top line capable of competing with the league’s best. Fans in Edmonton were undoubtedly disappointed when the trade fell through, as Rantanen would have given the Oilers one of the most potent offensive lineups in the NHL.

On the other hand, Dallas fans have rallied around the signing, seeing it as a major coup for their franchise. The Stars have been one of the most consistently competitive teams in recent years, and adding a player of Rantanen’s caliber could potentially put them on the fast track to Stanley Cup contention. With a deep roster, strong defensive structure, and solid goaltending from Jake Oettinger, Rantanen’s arrival gives the Stars the kind of scoring boost they need to make a deep run in the playoffs.

What Does This Mean for Colorado?

While the trade to Edmonton never materialized and Rantanen ultimately moved to Dallas, the departure of one of Colorado’s top players has significant implications for the Avalanche. Losing a key player like Rantanen will leave a void on the team’s top line and force Avalanche GM Joe Sakic to consider how to retool the roster moving forward.

With Nathan MacKinnon still in his prime and the team boasting other solid players like Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen’s former linemate Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado will likely remain a competitive team, but replacing Rantanen’s offensive output will be no easy task. The Avalanche may need to dip into the free-agent market or explore trade opportunities to fill the gap left by Rantanen’s departure.

Rantanen’s Legacy and the Future

Mikko Rantanen’s move to the Dallas Stars will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both the Stars’ fortunes and his own legacy as one of the top wingers in the NHL. For Colorado, the decision to move Rantanen could ultimately be seen as a significant shift in the team’s direction, but it remains to be seen how they will navigate the loss of such a pivotal player.

For Edmonton, the disappointment of missing out on Rantanen means the team will have to continue seeking other ways to bolster their offense. Whether through trade or free agency, Edmonton will need to find the complementary pieces necessary to contend with the top teams in the Western Conference.

As for Rantanen, his future in Dallas looks promising. With a significant financial commitment and a roster built to compete, he has the opportunity to be a central figure in the Stars’ pursuit of a Stanley Cup. The next few seasons in Dallas could very well define the second chapter of his career, with the pressure to deliver on the immense contract now placed squarely on his shoulders.

Ultimately, whether Rantanen’s career in Dallas proves to be as successful as his time with Colorado or if he’ll be remembered for his near-move to Edmonton, one thing is clear: the debate surrounding his decision has sparked a conversation that will resonate in the NHL for years to come.