Mikko Rantanen: How Avalanche's 2015 Draft Pick Shaped Their Future

The Colorado Avalanche's decision to draft Mikko Rantanen in 2015 proved pivotal, but they had other strong options. The Finnish forward has since become a cornerstone of the team, helping lead them to a Stanley Cup victory in 2022.

What other prospects were considered?

In the 2015 NHL Draft, the Avalanche held the 16th overall pick. While Rantanen was their choice, other notable players available included Mathew Barzal, who went 16th to the New York Islanders, and Anthony Beauvillier, selected 17th by the Islanders. Both have had successful careers, but Rantanen's impact in Colorado has been undeniable.

Why Rantanen was the right choice

Rantanen's size, skill, and hockey IQ made him an attractive prospect. Standing at 6'4" and weighing 215 pounds, he brought a physical presence along with offensive talent. His ability to play both center and wing added versatility. Since joining the Avalanche, Rantanen has consistently been among the team's top scorers, forming a dynamic duo with Nathan MacKinnon.

How Rantanen's career unfolded

After being drafted, Rantanen spent the 2015-16 season in Finland before making his NHL debut in 2016-17. He quickly established himself as a key player, scoring 17 goals and 30 assists in his rookie season. His production has only improved, culminating in a career-high 47 goals and 54 assists in the 2022-23 season. Rantanen's contributions were instrumental in the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup win, where he scored 11 goals and 10 assists in 20 playoff games.

What could have been

While Rantanen has been a success, it's interesting to speculate on how the Avalanche might have fared with Barzal or Beauvillier. Barzal has developed into a top-tier playmaker, while Beauvillier has been a reliable scorer. However, Rantanen's combination of size, skill, and clutch playoff performances has made him a fan favorite in Colorado.

The Avalanche's faith in Rantanen has paid off handsomely. As he continues to be a key player for the team, his selection in the 2015 draft remains one of the franchise's most successful moves.