Stars' Mikko Rantanen to miss at least two weeks after Olympics injury

Mikko Rantanen, the Dallas Stars’ leading scorer, sustained a lower-body injury during the Olympic semifinals and will miss at least the next two weeks.12 The Finnish forward did not play in Finland’s bronze medal win over Slovakia after getting hurt in a 3-2 loss to Canada.3 Stars coach Glen Gulutzan confirmed the timeline after practice, noting it aligns with expectations from the Olympics.

The Stars placed Rantanen on the injured list Monday, retroactive to February 20. Gulutzan described it as “not the best news, but the stuff you’ve got to deal with.” With 25 regular-season games left through April 15, Dallas faces challenges without its top producer.4

The Olympic semifinal injury

Rantanen went down in Finland’s tense 3-2 defeat to Canada on Friday night at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The exact nature of the lower-body injury remains undisclosed, but it sidelined him for the bronze medal game against Slovakia, which Finland won.35

Before the injury, Rantanen contributed six points in five games for Finland. He was replaced by Kasperi Kapanen in the bronze matchup. The Stars’ medical staff evaluated him upon return, confirming the extended absence.[Learn more in our post on Stars forward Mikko Rantanen to miss time after Olympics injury.](https://nhlinsight.com/blog/stars-forward-mikko-rantanen-to-miss-time-after-olympics-injury/)

Gulutzan emphasized a cautious approach: “It won’t be one or two games. It’ll be, let’s start in two weeks, and then see where it goes from there.” All signs point to a return before the regular season ends. The injury adds to the post-Olympic hurdles for NHL teams reintegrating players.

Finland’s bronze capped a strong tournament despite the loss. Rantanen’s absence highlighted the risks of international play amid a tight NHL schedule.

Rantanen’s dominant season with Dallas

In his first year of an eight-year, $96 million extension—signed after a deadline trade to Dallas last season—Rantanen has tallied 69 points (20 goals, 49 assists). He leads the Stars in scoring, driving their Central Division push.[Details via ESPN.]

The 29-year-old winger has been a lineup fixture, blending size, skill and shot volume. His assist totals reflect strong playmaking alongside linemates like Roope Hintz.

Dallas acquired Rantanen to bolster offense post-playoffs. His production has exceeded expectations, making the injury a significant blow.

Without him, the Stars must lean on depth forwards. Recent games showed resilience, but sustaining pace over 25 contests tests the roster.

Dallas Stars’ impressive Olympic medal haul

Six Stars players medaled in Italy, a franchise highlight. Jake Oettinger backed up Team USA to gold in a 2-1 overtime win over Canada.67

Thomas Harley earned silver with Canada. Finland’s bronze went to Rantanen, Hintz, Esa Lindell and Miro Heiskanen—forming the “Finnish Mafia.”[See our analysis of Olympics 2026 standouts and disappointments from all 32 NHL teams.](https://nhlinsight.com/blog/olympics-2026-standouts-and-disappointments-from-all-32-nhl-teams/)

• Gold: Jake Oettinger (USA backup)
• Silver: Thomas Harley (Canada)
• Bronze: Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, Esa Lindell, Miro Heiskanen (Finland)

Oettinger may rejoin for Wednesday’s morning skate but won’t start versus Seattle. The medals boost morale amid Rantanen’s setback.

Impact on the Stars’ stretch run

Dallas hosts Seattle on Wednesday and Nashville on Saturday, kicking off a demanding homestand. With 25 games remaining, every point counts in the playoff race.

Gulutzan called the injury “kind of what I was expecting” from Olympic reports. Depth players like Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen must step up. For more on Finland’s run, check NHL.com’s update.3

The trade deadline looms, potentially bringing reinforcements. Rantanen’s expected pre-playoff return offers optimism.

Injuries like this test contenders. Dallas’ Olympic success underscores talent, but execution without stars defines champions.

Rantanen’s absence tests Dallas’ depth, but the medal-winning core returns motivated. A two-week minimum means monitoring progress closely. If they navigate early games, the Stars remain contenders for a deep playoff run. Expect adjustments, but their resilience shines through.