The Dallas Stars are back in the playoffs after another strong season, albeit a season that ended with the thud of a seven-game winless streak. They’ll match up in the first round with a familiar foe, as Dallas welcomes the Colorado Avalanche to the American Airlines Center on Saturday night for Game 1.

The Stars aren’t just a favorite in this series, they're a favorite to win the Cup. But don't count out the Avs' star power and spite.

Rantanen, selected by Colorado with the No. 10 pick of the 2015 NHL Draft, spent 10 seasons with the Avalanche. He went from the lowest of lows, finishing last in the NHL in 2016-17, to the highest of highs, winning the Stanley Cup in 2021-22, and was a key part of their rise.