W/C Mikko Rantanen (2015, 10th, COL) II

[HockeyHistorian]

It really seems that the small rink suits him better, just like he himself has said. He looks almost dominant in the AHL. I think he could become a great two-way player who can score 60-80 points in the NHL in his prime. He has skill, smarts, speed, size, strength, a great attitude and even leadership qualities. He is pretty much a complete package.

 

[jaa]

It's good time to be Finnish hockey fan, so many grade A prospects like Rantanen coming up from nowhere. He will play in NHL this spring.

 

[Dr Quincy]

I love that all 3 goals showed something completely different:

1) Speed and open ice finishing ability
2) Tenacious forechecking
3) Superhero special powers

 

[Finnished]

Free Rants!

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Is there any question this guy is the best NHL prospect playing in the AHL at the moment right now?

 

[HockeyHistorian]

Is there any question this guy is the best NHL prospect playing in the AHL at the moment right now?

As Nylander isn't playing at the moment he has very little competition.

 

[Zaddy]

This kid is going to be so good.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

As Nylander isn't playing at the moment he has very little competition.

Even if he was. I would take Rantanen. Those are plays/goals are what very good NHL players do. His skills, size, and hockey smarts translate very well to the NHL.

 

[Pierce Hawthorne]

Is there any question this guy is the best NHL prospect playing in the AHL at the moment right now?

Nope. Nylander is a good player, but Rantanen has a bigger impact on the game with his size, and fore checking that Nylander doesn't bring. They're producing at the same rate, but Rants just brings more to the table.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

YT video of the hat trick.

Nope. Nylander is a good player, but Rantanen has a bigger impact on the game with his size, and fore checking that Nylander doesn't bring. They're producing at the same rate, but Rants just brings more to the table.

All 3 goals last night showed a great diversity of what he can do in the NHL. He's not a one trick pony is what impresses me. He has size, skill, and hockey smarts.

Goals resulted from Power, anticipation(Iced Q), and using a lost art the backhand.

Very impressive. The Avs have a good one. I don't see him being in the AHL much longer. He's the best prospect playing in the AHL bar none IMO because he has all the prerequisites to play in the NHL. There are no questions of size or strength, he has the skill and IQ. He is a leader. No weaknesses or question marks to his game.

 

[Juggernaut27]

I love that all 3 goals showed something completely different:

1) Speed and open ice finishing ability
2) Tenacious forechecking
3) Superhero special powers

Wanted him so bad for Barkov's wing. What a talent. The sort of power game he brings is hard to find with those soft hands.

 

[BabyBennettov]

Wanted him so bad for Barkov's wing. What a talent. The sort of power game he brings is hard to find with those soft hands.

We'll have to settle for Crouse my friend...

But yeah, Rantanen will be THE gem of this draft after the usual suspects... Hats off to Sakic and Avs scouting staff, even though with how the draft unfolded, it was really a coin-toss between Lawson and Mikko !

His vision is pretty amazing, and he is a gamer, a big-time player !

 

[not a troll]

We'll have to settle for Crouse my friend...

But yeah, Rantanen will be THE gem of this draft after the usual suspects... Hats off to Sakic and Avs scouting staff, even though with how the draft unfolded, it was really a coin-toss between Lawson and Mikko !

His vision is pretty amazing, and he is a gamer, a big-time player !

I thought for sure the Sharks were going to grab him instead of Meier.

 

[strat1]

He must improve his shots.

 

[slobbergob]

He must improve his shots.

In what respect? Quantity or quality?

 

[strat1]

In what respect? Quantity or quality?

Quality

 

[S E P H]

He must improve his shots.

I can tell you that he doesn't, he will always be a playmaker, but he has a very underrated shot. The thing he needs to work on is to beef up physically, he doesn't need to go out there and become a physical monster like Byfuglien, but needs to more muscle to shield the puck better. Of course gaining mass comes with time and effort notably during the offseason.

 

[HockeyHistorian]

Quality

Be more specific. What is wrong with his shot? In my opinion he has an above-average shot by NHL standards. I mean, it wouldn't hurt to develop it, but it's pretty good even now.

 

[kelsier]

Wanted him so bad for Barkov's wing. What a talent. The sort of power game he brings is hard to find with those soft hands.

So did I pal. While I wish all the best for the Panthers I fear Crouse won't become near as good. I'm almost hoping to be wrong.

 

[cgf]

Quality

Have you ever seen him shoot? Kid's shot is really good, he just doesn't use it nearly enough.

So did I pal. While I wish all the best for the Panthers I fear Crouse won't become near as good. I'm almost hoping to be wrong.

I'd have loved Crouse as well. He'll score 30+ goals next to Barkov and become a selke caliber defender in his own right; add to that his physical game, and he'll become an excellent PWF.

 

[hockeyGod]

Considering he is only 1.5 months older that Matthews... Do you all think he would give him a run for the 1st overall? Or because he is a winger would he slide into the 2/3/4 slot with Laine and Puljujarvi?

 

[Jack DiBiase]

Considering he is only 1.5 months older that Matthews... Do you all think he would give him a run for the 1st overall? Or because he is a winger would he slide into the 2/3/4 slot with Laine and Puljujarvi?

Might want to double check that mr. "god".

Rantanen is born 1996.

 

[hockeyGod]

Might want to double check that mr. "god".

Rantanen is born 1996.

Oops, thought he was one of the youngest players in the draft last year. Thanks for correcting me.

 

[Cousin Eddie]

Wanted him so bad for Barkov's wing. What a talent. The sort of power game he brings is hard to find with those soft hands.

I'm an Avalanche fan but holy crap! Could you imagine a future duo of Barkov and Rantanen!?!?

 

[HockeyHistorian]

I'm an Avalanche fan but holy crap! Could you imagine a future duo of Barkov and Rantanen!?!?

They would make a hell of a two-way duo. A line of Rantanen - Barkov - Jagr would be so awesome even now, not to take anything away from Huberdeau though.