Rantanen's injury is not believed to be serious, according to Carolina's Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour, but his 4 Nations status is still up in the air. Rantanen missed his first game ever as a member of the Hurricane's on Saturday due to a lower-body injury.
Rantanen is in the final year of a six-year, $9.25M AAV deal and is seeking a massive new contract in the summer. Rantanen has tallied 25 goals and 39 assists (64 points) in 49 games this season, putting him on-pace for 42 goals and 65 assists (107 points). It would be the third consecutive 100-plus point season for the 28-year-old, who will likely slide onto the Hurricanes' top-line next to fellow countryman Sebastian Aho.
Rantanen has been skating with the team all week and has been cleared for contact, likely making his return to the lineup imminent. His 102 points in 77 games in 2023-24 marks his second straight 100+ point campaign. Colorado's next game is on Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets.
Rantanen took part in a skate before Colorado's practice on Monday, participated in a non-contact jersey on Tuesday, and is nearing a return to the lineup. His 102 points in 77 games in 2023-24 marks his second straight 100+ point campaign.
Rantanen took part in a skate before Colorado's practice Monday but has been announced Tuesday vs. Minnesota as he will be his second-straight game due to a concussion. Avalanche fans can breathe as the 27-year-old is expected back sooner rather than later as he will be likely taking part in the morning skate Tuesday regardless of his in-game distinction. His 102 points in 77 games in 2023-24 marks his second straight 100+ point campaign.
Rantanen missed the last four games with an illness but will be back on the top line and top power-play unit on Thursday. Prior to getting sick, Rantanen had 26 points (10G / 16A) in his last 19 games.
Rantanen was placed in COVID-19 protocol on December 21st but the team did not announce it until Sunday. The Avalanche provided expected return dates for all of the players still in protocol and put Rantanen on track to miss Wednesday's game vs. the Stars but be back for Friday's rematch.
Rantanen will miss his third straight game with a lower-body injury. Rantanen remains day-to-day, so he isn't expected to be sidelined long-term. Monitor his status heading into Saturday's rematch in Columbus.
Rantanen was banged up in Colorado's morning skate and head coach Jared Bednar was not sure of his status for tonight's game in St. Louis. Consider him a game-time decision and monitor his status when the Avalanche hit the ice for warmups at 7:30 PM ET.
