Mikko Rantanen was thrilled when he was traded to the Stars because it would give him multiple opportunities against the Avalanche

Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen circles the ice after scoring a hat trick goal in the third period in Game 7 of a Stanley Cup opening round playoff game against the Colorado Avalanche at the American Airlines Center in Dallas,

Colorado Avalanche president Joe Sakic gave his first public explanation for the team’s controversial decision to trade Mikko Rantanen before the trade deadline. Sakic cited salary cap limitations and a desire to improve roster depth as the driving forces behind the move.