The Colorado Avalanche faced a disappointing early exit from the playoffs this season, culminating in the worst Game 7 loss in franchise history. Central to the conversation surrounding this loss is the departure of star player Mikko Rantanen, who was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this year. Upon his return to the league, Rantanen proved his worth, outscoring the Avalanche’s new forwards, including Martin Necas and Brock Nelson, who collectively tallied only 12 points in the series, the same amount Rantanen achieved alone.
Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic acknowledged the need for a stronger team dynamic, suggesting that merely relying on high-profile players isn’t a sustainable strategy for success. Rantanen’s performance highlighted the importance of having key players in crucial playoff moments, especially during a time when star defenseman Cale Makar was unable to contribute effectively.
In hindsight, the Avalanche may have underestimated Rantanen’s impact. During the final games of the series, Necas and Jack Drury could not provide the offensive output needed, while Rantanen shone, contributing eight points in the last two games. This stark contrast raises the question of whether the sacrifice of sending away star talent for depth players was in the team’s best interest.
The Avalanche’s leadership appears to recognize their missteps, as they look forward to the upcoming season. Sakic stated that the team must continue to strive for greatness, highlighting the lessons learned from their recent playoff struggles. Despite the challenges of managing salary caps, the front office intends to invest wisely to ensure they capitalize on the talents of players like Makar and McKinnon, maximizing their championship window.
While this season has been tough for the Avalanche, including departures of key players and uncertain future contracts, there remains hope for rebuilding a competitive roster. The team’s goal remains to strengthen their depth and maintain the spirit of winning they once enjoyed, as they continue to navigate their way back to playoff contention. The story of Rantanen’s trade serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of nurturing star talent in pursuit of a championship.