Mikko Rantanen is clearing the air.
The new Stars forward emphasized Wednesday that he didn't close the book on his brief chapter with the Carolina Hurricanes lightly, adding that he simply viewed Dallas as a stronger match.
"One of the reasons was for me to think where I really want to play hockey for the next eight years," he explained after his first practice with the Stars. "Dallas was a better fit on the ice, a style of play similar to Colorado."
Rantanen continued, "I just decided a little bit before the deadline that Carolina would probably get a better return from me if I would do a sign-and-trade, so it would be better for their team rather than me being a rental and going somewhere (else) to play. That was the decision. ... But I want to make it clear I was open-minded in Carolina and really thought about staying there."
The Hurricanes acquired Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche in a shocking blockbuster in late January, but his tenure in Raleigh lasted just 13 games. Carolina sent him to Dallas at last Friday's trade deadline for a package highlighted by Logan Stankoven and two conditional first-round picks.
The Stars then signed Rantanen to an eight-year, $96-million extension. He reportedly rejected an eight-year contract with Carolina worth more than $100 million.
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour said Monday that Rantanen told the club he was only willing to sign a contract extension with four teams. The star winger's agent swiftly denied the existence of such a list, and Rantanen followed suit Wednesday.
"I saw some things were said that I had a list of teams ready when I went (to Carolina), but that's false. ... Obviously, it was a big shock to leave Colorado, but I went there with an open mind and tried my best on the ice," he said.
Rantanen has now played on three teams in a six-week span, which he admitted is something he "never" saw coming.
"It's been crazy for sure. ... I'm so happy to be here and locked in for eight years with a good team and good coaches and everything," he said. "I'm really glad to be here and thankful for Dallas to have trust in me."
However, Rantanen isn't totally off the roller coaster. He will return to Colorado to face the Avalanche on Sunday, two days before he gets to play in his first home game with the Stars.
"It's gonna be weird for sure. ... Should be a fun game to play against your old friends," he said.
Rantanen has scored two goals and tallied three points in his first two games with Dallas.
