Stars' Mikko Rantanen Out for Bronze Medal Game

Dallas Stars forward to miss Finland's bronze medal matchup against Slovakia after suffering lower-body injury in Olympic semifinal loss to Canada.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen will miss Finland's bronze medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics after suffering a lower-body injury during the team's semifinal loss to Canada. Rantanen, who leads Finland with six points in the tournament, was hurt in the third period of the 3-2 defeat. The severity of the injury is still being evaluated, but it is not believed to be season-ending for the 29-year-old alternate captain.

Why it matters

Rantanen's absence is a major blow for Finland as they try to secure a bronze medal. He has been one of the team's most dangerous offensive weapons, and his production will be difficult to replace against a strong Slovakia squad. The Stars will also be eager to get Rantanen back healthy for their NHL playoff push after the Olympics.

The details

Rantanen was injured in the third period of Finland's 3-2 semifinal loss to Canada. Finnish media reported the lower-body injury following the game. Rantanen will be re-evaluated by the Stars' medical staff when he returns to Dallas, but the injury is not believed to be season-ending. The 29-year-old right winger leads Finland with one goal and five assists in five Olympic games.

  • Rantanen was hurt in the third period of Finland's semifinal loss to Canada on February 20, 2026.
  • Finland will face Slovakia in the bronze medal game on February 21, 2026 at 2:40 p.m. ET.

The players

Mikko Rantanen

A 29-year-old forward for the Dallas Stars who is Finland's leading scorer at the 2026 Winter Olympics with six points.

Juuse Saros

The Nashville Predators goaltender who will start in goal for Finland in the bronze medal game.

Roope Hintz

A Dallas Stars teammate of Rantanen who will need to elevate his game to help compensate for Rantanen's absence.

Artturi Lehkonen

A Finnish forward who will be counted on to increase his offensive production with Rantanen out.

Sebastian Aho

A Finnish forward who will be counted on to increase his offensive production with Rantanen out.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Rantanen was hurt in third period of yesterday's game vs Canada. Will be re-evaluated when he returns to Dallas regarding severity & timeline of injury.”

— Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider (Twitter)

“Apparently not concern this is season-ending...but exact severity TBD”

— Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider (Twitter)

What’s next

The Stars will conduct further evaluation on Rantanen's injury once he rejoins the team following the conclusion of the Olympic tournament.

The takeaway

Rantanen's injury is a significant setback for Finland as they try to secure a bronze medal, but the Stars will be relieved that the injury does not appear to be season-ending. The team will need other offensive stars like Hintz, Lehkonen and Aho to step up in Rantanen's absence.