The Moose is loose. The Dallas Stars have taken a 2-1 series lead thanks to yet another outstanding performance from Mikko Rantanen. Though the Colorado Avalanche are no longer in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, every goal Rantanen scores echoes loudly in Denver, as much of the NHL continues to point fingers at the Mile High franchise for their shocking decision to trade him. This time, it was former Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri who reminded Joe Sakic and the organization of that misstep—while taking a pointed shot at his old team.
Rantanen isn’t just leading the Stars in their pursuit of a second Stanley Cup—he’s also chasing history along the way. ‘The Moose’ has been on an absolute tear since Game 5 of the opening round, racking up 17 points over his last six outings, including nine goals, eight assists, and a pair of hat tricks.
The 2024-25 NHL season ended in heartbreak for the Avalanche, and the worst part for the burgundy and blue faithful is that this spring-summer stretch is shaping up to be a long and painful one. As Mikko Rantanen continues to shine, he’s making Sakic’s bold decision to trade him look increasingly costly—and it’s a move that’s clearly come back to haunt the Avs.
Kadri, who currently plays on the Calgary Flames and didn’t make it to the postseason, has been watching as a fellow expatriate from Denver thrives in the brightest spotlight. After Rantanen recorded another multi-point game, Kadri dropped a stern statement, rubbing salt in Sakic and Colorado’s wounds.
“Rule number one: You always keep the dawgs … #96,” Kadri stated on his X account, hinting at Rantanen’s unstoppable form in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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The Avalanche are now realizing the magnitude of their decision to trade Rantanen. Colorado has yet to advance past the second round since their Stanley Cup run in the 2021-22 season.
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Rantanen is playing lights out night in and night out, with every goal driving the dagger deeper into the hearts in Denver. All fingers point to Sakic for his controversial decision—and that includes Kadri’s, who, now in Calgary, hasn’t forgotten or forgiven the Avalanche for letting him walk in free agency after the 2022 Stanley Cup win.