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.
RW/C Mikko Rantanen (2015, 10th, COL)
- Thread starter FinPanda
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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
Wheel, snipe, celly
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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!
QnebO
Wheel, snipe, celly
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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
Registered User
- Jul 6, 2007
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I'd like to see him drop to the Flames. We need a big, talented RW badly. I guess that's not very likely.
Juggernaut27
#CatsHasCupNow?
OttMorrow
Registered User
- Sep 18, 2003
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IceManCat
#StanleyCupChampions2024🏆
Huokaus
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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
Buffalo Selects Jack
How does he compare to Armia in his draft year? Rantanen looks to have a similar build and stride.
QnebO
Wheel, snipe, celly
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He is more straight forward and physical to my eye. Looks like clearly less risk choise for north american game than Armia.
Rhett4
Buffalo Selects Jack
Thanks for the insight. Skill level close? Armia had oodles, but it doesn't seem to translate.
WannabeFinn
Beloved One
RockLobster
King in the North
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.
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
Outro: Divina Comedia
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
Team Iceland Coach
- Nov 15, 2008
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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.
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.
WannabeFinn
Beloved One
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.
