Rantanen was recalled by the Avalanche on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Rantanen's promotion could indicate that Matt Duchene (knee) is dealing with a long-term injury. The Avalanche will hope that Rantanen can soften the blow felt by Duchene's absence, as the 19-year-old winger has been an absolute monster in the minors this season, racking up 52 points (21 goals, 31 assists) in just 44 games with AHL San Antonio. Rantanen could immediately slot into a top-six role with Colorado, making him a highly intriguing pick up in fantasy leagues.

Rantanen had a hat trick in AHL San Antonio's 5-2 win over Bakersfield on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Rantanen had missed a couple of weeks since retuning from the World Juniors due to an upper-body injury, but he's clearly over the ailment. The young forward didn't play well in Colorado to begin the season, but he has 13 goals and 30 points in 24 AHL games since being demoted. He should get another look with the Avalanche later this season.

Rantanen didn't suit up for AHL San Antonio in their game Sunday due to an upper-body injury.

EDGE Analysis

The No. 10 overall pick has been skating in the AHL since late October, after he was held off the score sheet in his first six games at the NHL level. It's not clear how severe Rantanen's injury might be, but he wasn't expected to rejoin the Avalanche in the immediate future anyway.

Rantanen had two goals and two assists in AHL San Antonio's 4-3 win over Texas on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Rantanen looked overmatched during his early stint with Colorado, but he has played very well since being demoted to the AHL. Rantanen has eight points in his first six games for the Rampage and the 18-year-old remains the brightest prospect in a thin Avalanche system.

Rantanen was reassigned to AHL San Antonio on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Rantanen has drawn into all six contests for the Avalanche this season, but has gone without a point and posted a horrid minus-5 rating over that span. He'll now rejoin the AHL ranks, being replaced on the Avalanche's roster by Dennis Everberg.

Rantanen officially made the Avs' Opening Night roster, Mike Chambers of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rantanen was selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, and was considered to be the top overall European skater in the draft. The Finnish rookie is slated to skate on the third line with fellow Europeans, Carl Soderberg and Borna Rendulic. Rantanen will have a virtual nine game tryout before the team will need to decide whether he stays for the remainder of the season or be sent down to San Antonio of the AHL. If he plays in a 10th game, the clock on his entry level contract will start ticking, most likely ensuring his stay with the parent club for the rest of the season.

Rantanen is expected to contend for a roster spot with the Avalanche in training camp, Mike Chambers of the Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Unlike many of the other players in the 2015 draft class, Rantanen isn't eligible to play junior hockey by virtue of turning pro in 2012 in his native Finland. As a result, Rantanen can either open the upcoming season with the Avalanche, at their AHL affiliate in San Antonio, or in Finland with TPS Turku. The latter two destinations seem to be likelier bets, but it's not unprecedented for the Avalanche to deploy their first-round draftees at the NHL level right away; Matt Duchene and Ryan O'Reilly (2009), Gabriel Landeskog (2011), and Nathan MacKinnon (2013) all made the jump after being selected. Each of those players entered their season with plenty of acclaim and have enjoyed successful careers, but Rantanen may be even better positioned for NHL duty due to his greater size (6-foot-4, 210 pounds) and prior experience skating against older players during his time in the Finnish Elite League. If he's able to shine in training camp, Rantanen could find himself as a third-line winger for the Avs on Opening Night.