With a likely Stars-Avalanche first round in the cards, GMs Jill Nill and Chris MacFarland spoke to The Athletic about their deadline moves.

The Dallas Stars shocked hockey fans with their blockbuster trade for Carolina forward Mikko Rantanen on Friday. The deal has made it clear that the team is serious about its title aspirations in the coming months. Here’s what you need to know about Rantanen and the trade.

Mikko Rantanen has found a familiar home in Dallas, thanks to the Stars’ strong Finnish presence. The veteran forward, acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, is joining a team that already boasts several of his countrymen—a connection Stars forward Matt Duchene has dubbed the ‘Finnish Mafia.

Unlike with his trade to Carolina, Rantanen was involved in the decision of him going to Dallas and signing an 8-year, $96 million contract.

Mikko Rantanten’s stay in Carolina was about as long as Abe Simpson’s taking a lap around the “Maison Derrière” burlesque house when Bart spotted him. Rantanen was dealt to Dallas on Friday after being unable to reach an agreement with the Hurricanes on a long-term deal — it’s reported that Rantanen will now sign an eight year deal with Stars worth $12M AAV.

Mikko Rantanen scored his first goal as a Dallas Star on Saturday night in his debut. MIKKO RANTANEN SCORES HIS FIRST GOAL AS A DALLAS STAR 🤩🤩🤩🤩 #TexasHockey (via @victoryplustv) pic.twitter.com/oEGNS935DO The goal is his 28th on the season and 290th of his career.

Now, we'll get our first looks at all the players traded on Friday with their new teams, including Jake Walman with the Edmonton Oilers and Mikko Rantanen with the Dallas Stars. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news,

There were ten games in the National Hockey League yesterday, as it was the first Saturday of hockey since the trade deadline. Several players were therefore playing their first game in their new colors.