Colorado Avalanche: 6 Potential Call-Ups/Demotions

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Mikko Rantanen poses with team executives after being selected as the number ten overall pick to the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Avalanche Demotion: Mikko Rantanen

Speaking of that terrible third line, Mikko Rantanen is also a part of it. The 2015 first-round draft pick from Finland certainly earned his spot on the NHL roster. However, Rantanen really earned his spot — so why would he be sent down again?

Through the first two games of the season, Rantanen had a combined ice time of 16:03, which isn’t great for a young player’s development. Unless Roy is planning to put him with Duchene and Iginla permanently, the AHL might be a better fit for now. There, Rantanen could fill a top-six role, play 20 minutes a night, contribute on the power play and be a leader.

Furthermore, the option of Rantanen returning to Finland is still there. A return seems extremely unlikely at this point, but it is a legitimate option. For now, we should assume that he will stay in North America, though. The question is just if it’s in Colorado or in Texas.

Next: Nate Guenin