In an unsurprising move, the Colorado Avalanche announced today that rookie Mikko Rantanen has been sent down the Avs’ AHL affiliate San Antonio Rampage. In his place, Dennis Everberg has been recalled.

Rantanen was selected 10th overall in this past summer’s NHL entry draft. It was expected that he would start the season in the AHL. However, on the back of an impressive pre-season, coach Patrick Roy chose to keep the young Fin with the big club in Denver. Rantanen has struggled in his time thus far with the Avalanche, often looking out-manned, leading many fans to believe this move was inevitable. It comes after just six games, three shy of the maximum number allowed before his entry-level contract officially begins. Moving him now preserves the first year of his ELC unless he is recalled later in the season.

Meanwhile, Everberg has been having tremendous success with the Rampage. Working alongside Andrew Agozzino and Ben Street, Everberg has amassed five points (3g, 2a) in three games. The 23-year-old played 55 games in an Avalanche uniform last season, putting up three goals and nine assists for 12 points on the season.