Mikko Rantanen suffered a lower-body injury during the 2026 Winter Olympics, and Dallas Stars coach Glen Gulutzan confirmed he'll miss a couple of games.
What happened?
The injury occurred in the third period of Finland's 3-2 loss to Canada, and Rantanen was scratched for the bronze medal game.
The Stars were on a six-game winning streak before the Olympic break, and they'll look to continue that torrid play down the stretch.
Why it matters for Mikko Rantanen
Rantanen leads the team with 69 points in 54 games, and his absence will be felt, especially with the Stars facing tough opponents like the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche.
The Wild boast three players who won gold with Team USA, and they could get even better ahead of the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline.
What comes next?
The Stars will host the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday and Nashville Predators on Saturday, and Rantanen's status will be re-evaluated after he sees a doctor.
Gulutzan told reporters, "I don't have a full update, but I wouldn't expect him for the first game or maybe even the first two."
The Stars need Rantanen healthy to advance to a fourth consecutive Western Conference Final, and his injury is a significant concern.
As Elliotte Friedman reported, Rantanen's injury is not believed to be season-ending, but the exact severity is still to be determined.
The Stars' path to Stanley Cup glory will be challenging, with powerhouse teams like the Wild and Avalanche standing in their way.
Rantanen's return to the ice will be crucial for the Stars' success, and fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his status.
The Finnish superstar's injury is a disappointment, but the Stars are hopeful he'll only miss a couple of games.