Rantanen played on a four-game conditioning stint with San Antonio (AHL), where he had two assists. Rantanen has been recalled to make his season debut and it will come on the top-line with Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog.

Rantanen battled an ankle injury throughout the preseason and is expected to go back to the AHL, as basically a conditioning stint, before he will likely return to the Avalanche when he’s back up to speed. The 19-year-old had 60 points (24G / 36A) in 52 games with San Antonio last season.

Rantanen returned in a no-contact jersey, but it was his first practice session since he suffered an ankle injury in a rookie showcase back on September 17th. Rantanen is expected to have a secured spot with the Avalanche this season and is targeting a return for their season opener next Saturday.