Stars' Mikko Rantanen to Miss Games After Olympic Injury

Coach says Rantanen likely out for at least the first two games after returning from Olympics

Feb. 24, 2026 at 12:51am

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Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen is expected to miss some time after returning from the Olympics due to a lower-body injury he sustained while playing for Finland. Coach Glen Gulutzan said he doesn't expect Rantanen, the team's leading scorer, to play in the first game or possibly the first two games back.

Why it matters

Rantanen's injury is a significant blow to the Stars, who are fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. As the team's top scorer, his absence will make it more difficult for Dallas to generate offense and secure crucial wins down the stretch.

The details

Rantanen was injured during Finland's 3-2 loss to Canada in the Olympic semifinals on Friday. He did not play in Finland's 6-1 win over Slovakia for the bronze medal on Saturday. Gulutzan said Rantanen will see a doctor, but the coach expects him to miss at least the first game back, which is Wednesday against Seattle, and possibly the following game against Nashville on Saturday.

  • Rantanen was injured during Finland's 3-2 loss to Canada in the Olympic semifinals on Friday, February 24, 2026.
  • Rantanen did not play in Finland's 6-1 win over Slovakia for the bronze medal on Saturday, February 25, 2026.
  • The Stars host Seattle on Wednesday, February 28, 2026 and Nashville on Saturday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Mikko Rantanen

The Dallas Stars' leading scorer with 69 points (20 goals, 49 assists) this season.

Glen Gulutzan

The head coach of the Dallas Stars.

Jake Oettinger

The backup goalie for the United States team that won the gold medal at the Olympics.

Thomas Harley

A Dallas Stars defenseman who won a silver medal playing for Canada at the Olympics.

Roope Hintz

A Dallas Stars player who won a bronze medal playing for Finland at the Olympics.

Esa Lindell

A Dallas Stars player who won a bronze medal playing for Finland at the Olympics.

Miro Heiskanen

A Dallas Stars player who won a bronze medal playing for Finland at the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I wouldn't expect him, certainly for the first game, or maybe in the first two”

— Glen Gulutzan, Head Coach, Dallas Stars (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Stars will monitor Rantanen's recovery and provide updates on his status leading up to their next games.

The takeaway

Rantanen's injury is a significant setback for the Stars as they push for a playoff spot, highlighting the risks players face when competing in the Olympics. The team will need to find ways to generate offense without their leading scorer in order to stay in the postseason hunt.