Future Watch: Mikko Rantanen Hockey Rookie Cards, Colorado Avalanche – Mikko Rantanen is a very talented Finnish forward who is currently playing in the AHL at the age of 19. It’s a rarity because of some complicated rules, but the Colorado Avalanche are very happy to have him there. Selected in the first round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft as the 10th overall pick, the organization can more easily oversee his development here in North America rather than having him be playing in the Finnish Elite League.
At 6′-3″, 212lbs, the big right winger has a ton of skill and so far after, 13 games in San Antonio he has 17 points as a rookie. He’s a shoe-in to make the AAHL’s All-Star team but looking further ahead, if he keeps these kinds of numbers flowing he could get recalled sometime soon.
He gets goals by driving to the net and with elite vision and the ability to shield the puck from defenders he can set up his linemates. Another key component in becoming a star is making players around you better, and he possesses that trait.
He’s a leader out on the ice and he’s just a teenager. Imagine when he’s in his mid 20’s? He has the tools to be a top player in the NHL for a long period of time.
The good news for collectors is he got six games in earlier this season. The results weren’t great but he got his feet wet. Mikko Rantanen is one of the crown jewels in 2015 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey as his Young Gun card is a hot commodity, but there’s also a shot to land him in Pankhurst as well.
Here’s a look at Mikko Rantanen at last year’s World Junior Championships:
Here’s a pre-draft interview with him:
Mikko Rantanen is big and he can Finnish. See what I did there? Collect him. You won’t be sorry.
Future Watch: Mikko Rantanen Hockey Rookie Cards, Colorado Avalanche – Image Gallery
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