RW/C Mikko Rantanen (2015, 10th, COL)

[Esko6]

I did not expect Rantanen to make the WHC team. He has not even been drafted yet there are better players in the finnish league who are competing with KHL and and NHL guys. Teräväinen was not selected either, and he was older and had a better season.

 

[wings5]

I do not see the skating deficiencies some are mentioning here, he gets around fine for his size and I would call him a good skater.

 

[QnebO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZdh1bRj6UE


Rantanen is a very good skater, huge size, sick hands and iq... dream prospect

Wow, never ever should anyone make alot about one video, but he's style is like a pro should be. He has quick release and thinking about the game in general. Fast and right choises that don't like hasty. That should fit very well in the NA!

 

[JJTT]

I do not see the skating deficiencies some are mentioning here, he gets around fine for his size and I would call him a good skater.

Yeah not the fastest skater but can move around pretty well for a guy of his size.

 

[QnebO]

Yeah not the fastest skater but can move around pretty well for a guy of his size.

He trusts he's size at the end. Could've recieved a big hit if the guy didin't buy that deke and went by him falling. But he can do that even in NHL, he'll probably be able to protect himself with size and strenght.

 

[GeeoffBrown]

I'd like to see him drop to the Flames. We need a big, talented RW badly. I guess that's not very likely.

 

[QnebO]

Has the draft lottery already been held? How high you guys think Rantanen will be overall? I'm getting pumped.

 

[Juggernaut27]

I'd like to see him drop to the Flames. We need a big, talented RW badly. I guess that's not very likely.

You've got about as much chance of drafting Barzal or Provorov.

Aim for Bittner.

 

[OttMorrow]

I do not see the skating deficiencies some are mentioning here, he gets around fine for his size and I would call him a good skater.

I think his skating is well above average as well.

 

[IceManCat]

Is he expected to play for Finland at the WC during the summer

 

[Huokaus]

Is he expected to play for Finland at the WC during the summer

Nope, he was the first cut from the team. Finnish national team is pretty strict about taking youngsters in the team, especially if they're not NHLers. I wouldn't have minded Rantanen being in, but there are many equal or better choices in the European leagues.

 

[Rhett4]

How does he compare to Armia in his draft year? Rantanen looks to have a similar build and stride.

 

[QnebO]

How does he compare to Armia in his draft year? Rantanen looks to have a similar build and stride.

He is more straight forward and physical to my eye. Looks like clearly less risk choise for north american game than Armia.

 

[hockeey]

Anyone have the numbers on how productive Rantanen was before vs. after WJC?

Edit: found it. He finished with 13 points in 19 games (.684ppg) which shows a jump from his pre WJC production of 15 points in 37 games (.405ppg)

 

[Rhett4]

He is more straight forward and physical to my eye. Looks like clearly less risk choise for north american game than Armia.

Thanks for the insight. Skill level close? Armia had oodles, but it doesn't seem to translate.

 

[DonskoiDonscored]

He's who I'd like the Sharks to take with our 9th/10th Overall Pick.

 

[WannabeFinn]

He's who I'd like the Sharks to take with our 9th/10th Overall Pick.

Would you trade picks with CBJ for him? We're exactly 1 spot above the Sharks

 

[RockLobster]

What's the likelihood that he plays in the NHL next year? I would think playing at least one more season in Europe would be beneficial, but I don't know much about him either.

 

[DonskoiDonscored]

Would you trade picks with CBJ for him? We're exactly 1 spot above the Sharks

Depends on if Werenski is available. He's ahead of Rantanen and maybe Barzal is aswell in my eyes. I assume both will be gone @ 9th (a.k.a Provorov, Werenski, Barzal go 6-8 after obvious top 5).

 

[Juxtaposer]

Would you trade picks with CBJ for him? We're exactly 1 spot above the Sharks

Depends on what it would cost, and if Provorov or Werenski is available.

 

[puckfan13]

Reminds me of Benoit Pouliot in a good way. Excellent reach and puck possession skills. Maybe not the fastest explosion or acceleration but once he's skating with the puck with a bit he can get going.

 

[Jack DiBiase]

How does he compare to Armia in his draft year? Rantanen looks to have a similar build and stride.

There has been much Armia comparisons in this topic. Just search for Armia in this topic. They aren't much alike other than size and nationality.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Depends on if Werenski is available. He's ahead of Rantanen and maybe Barzal is aswell in my eyes. I assume both will be gone @ 9th (a.k.a Provorov, Werenski, Barzal go 6-8 after obvious top 5).

I don't know how he has the prospects rated but Hextall said if two prospects are rated equally Philly will go with a forward. I've been seeing Rantanen as a guy who Philly might take.

 

[Snowsii]

So now that we know draft order, who do you think will pick him? Colorado/Florida @ 10/11 ?

 

[WannabeFinn]

So now that we know draft order, who do you think will pick him? Colorado/Florida @ 10/11 ?

Columbus probably will take him at 8th overall if the top 7 picks are McEichel, Hanifin, Strome, Marner, Werenski, and Provorov. Forward isn't an area of concern in our organization but it makes more sense to take Rantanen than Barzal/Zacha IMO.