The Avalanche first dealt Rantanen, a 2022 Stanley Cup champion while sharing the ice with Kadri, in January to the Carolina Hurricanes before he forced a trade-deadline move to the Stars. Immediately following his trade to Dallas, the Stars signed him to an eight-year, $96 million contract extension —a deal Colorado reportedly refused to match.

Stars coach Pete DeBoer says this is the best response team he has had in Dallas. They keep responding and now go into Game 4 at home with a chance for a 3-1 series lead against the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Rantanen played 19 minutes, 8 seconds. Wyatt Johnston had more ice time. Three Jets forwards played more than 22 minutes. DeBoer may be forced to overskate defensemen due to roster construction, but the Stars remain very democratic up front.

Mikko Rantanen picked up right where he left off after the first round when the Dallas Stars took on the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday.