Tribute Mikko Rantanen Appreciation Thread

[forsbergavs32]

Despite his flaws, Mikko was a huge part of the Avs for a long time and helped bring the Cup back to Denver.

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[ASmileyFace]

 

[Avs_19]

Mikko better get one of the loudest ovations ever in his return to Denver. Forever an Avs legend.

 

[Foppa2118]

You are the man Big Moose! Thanks for everything and helping us win another Cup. Future HOFer. One of the best Avs of all time. One of the best of this era. Total class act.

The business of hockey sucks, but it definitely wasn't personal. Everyone in the Avs organization loves you I'm sure. Best of luck in the future. Buy something nice with that big contract you've got coming.

 

[dahrougem2]

Thanks for being elite at eating ass, pal.

 

[Hennessy]

Going to miss one of the all-time greats in Colorado.
Best of luck, Bambi.

 

[S E P H]

A frustrating player at times, but did a lot more good than bad. Always brought the A version of himself to each and every game. Was absolutely stoked when we drafted him and we were able to get to the promised land with him. He had a great career here, but Avs were not wrong to trade him if he wasn't willing to take a discount or negotiate. I definitely wish he was worth 14 million and we could've re-signed him for eighty years, but sadly he wasn't for the past season and a half.

 

[MonsterMack]

THE MOOSE IS ..... loose

 

[MacKaRant]

Great player, loved watching his elite shot and finishing ability. I think he peaked for us during the Cup year when his GAF level was generally quite high. As this is the appreciation thread, let's just ignore the past couple years and say he was a very important part of our first Cup win in 21 years and I'll always remember him fondly as part of that team.

 

[Balthazar]

No more moose pics in the GDT's!

 

[Bill Peckerskull]

One last time...

 

[missionAvs]

f*** me man. This one makes me sad. As much as I ragged on him in the GDT's, he was our Moose. God speed Bambi. We'll miss you.

 

[The Merchant]

An all-time Av, forever and always. Thank you for everything, Big Moose.

 

[Norris4Norris]

Senators fan here,

Can someone explain why Colorado traded Rantanen for Necas. On paper Rantanen has more goals and points and a history of producing at a higher level than Necas.

I am guessing Rantanen was not good defensively and Necas is a responsible winger?

 

[AVSfan2daMAX]

Led the cup winning team in points in the playoff run.

One of the all time great Avs who frankly was often unappreciated. A rare combination of power, size and skill.

 

[NorthernAvsFan]

We’ll miss you, Moose. Roam freely in Carolina and go get that bag.

 

[RoyIsALegend]

Senators fan here,

Can someone explain why Colorado traded Rantanen for Necas. On paper Rantanen has more goals and points and a history of producing at a higher level than Necas.

I am guessing Rantanen was not good defensively and Necas is a responsible winger?

Because Rantanen is 5 months away from unrestricted free agency and wants 14m per year.

 

[AegonLeConqueror]

Gonna his that big bastard. This one is a gut punch for me - one of my favorite players

 

[missionAvs]

f*** man, the salary cap is a bitch. I'm so sad to see him go.

 

[ItsFineImFine]

Can I have a Chris MacFarland dis-appreciation thread?

Got rid of our boy Bo for Mittelstadt who's clearly not a playoff type player and then traded away Rants.

 

[a mangy Meowth]

Gonna miss the big guy. He contributed so so much and was obviously one of the biggest drivers on our cup run. One of my favorites.

That said, I admit I won't miss the stretches where he so clearly put in like 85% effort. As someone who loves the guy, those times were extremely frustrating - I always knew he was capable of even more. Best of luck to him!

 

[Pierce Hawthorne]

I dont really know if its honestly hit me yet that he's gone.


Someone said it in the trade thread but it absolutely f***ing sucks that the last time we got to see 9296 together, was Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals. That is such a crazy and sad thing to realize. Truly one of the most dominant lines in franchise history and hell one of the most dominant lines of the last 25 years quite frankly. They f***ing tore ass for the better part of 5 years.

Never, never imagined them trading Mikko. Was certain he was an Av for life, even if part of me understood why some here didn't want to sign him for $14M and believed trading him was the best play, I just never imagined the Avs considering that route.



Just crazy. And it will be super interesting to see how he does with the Canes. And also super weird seeing him in a Canes jersey.

 

[AegonLeConqueror]

One thing's for sure...the Canes are now my second favorite team. Good luck in Carolina, Mikko

 

[Avs44]

Can’t believe he’s gone. One of our best. Feels like the end of a window of Avs history slamming shut following upon the Landy absence for so long. For a while it was the big four of Mack/Landy/Rantanen/Makar; and then the big three; and now just MacK and Makar.

(until Makar departs to Calgary obviously)

 

[El Travo]

Been awhile since I got to post this, and I guess it's the last time I will.

Be at peace, Mikko. You'll be missed.