The Dallas Stars have placed their top forward, Mikko Rantanen, on injured reserve retroactive to February 20, following Finland’s quarterfinal loss to Canada in the Winter Olympics. Head coach Glen Gulutzan confirmed that Rantanen will be sidelined for at least two weeks, excluding him from the lineup through the upcoming trade deadline and the next seven games. This injury has created concern for the team’s performance, given Rantanen’s critical role in their offensive lineup.
Details on Rantanen’s Injury and Expected Absence
While the injury is significant enough to keep Rantanen out of immediate play, Gulutzan has expressed cautious optimism that the winger will not miss the remainder of the regular season. The retroactive injured reserve designation means Rantanen could return as soon as February 27, presenting hope that his absence will be limited. According to Gulutzan, the coach is reluctant to speculate further on his recovery timeline, emphasizing uncertainty about when Rantanen will rejoin the team.
“I didn’t want to speculate on Mikko’s status beyond this week,”
Gulutzan said during his media briefing, as reported by Robert Tiffin.
Impact of Rantanen’s Injury on the Dallas Stars
The loss of Rantanen poses a substantial challenge for Dallas. As the team’s leading scorer with 69 points over 54 games, he has been the most prolific offensive threat and leads all forwards in average ice time. His injury threatens to diminish Dallas’ chances in crucial upcoming matches, as he fills a vital role among elite NHL wingers. Despite the injury not derailing Finland’s success at the Olympics—where they secured a bronze medal—the Stars face a more uncertain path without their star forward on the ice.
Head coach Glen Gulutzan acknowledged the difficulty of managing without Rantanen but suggested his absence would be temporary, contributing some relief to fans and the team alike.
“Rantanen will be out for at least two weeks and possibly longer, but I don’t expect it to end his regular season,”
Gulutzan told reporters, according to Lia Assimakopoulos of the Dallas Morning News.
Future Outlook as Trade Deadline Approaches
With the trade deadline imminent, the Stars must navigate the challenge of competing without their key scoring option for several games. The team’s management and coaching staff face a tense period balancing roster moves and preparations while hoping for a swift recovery from Rantanen. His return could provide a timely boost in Dallas’ playoff push, emphasizing the importance of his health in the franchise’s near-term prospects.
Gulutzan’s comments and the timing of the IR placement suggest the team is bracing for a short-term absence rather than a lengthy one, leaving room for cautious optimism. The Stars and their fans will be closely monitoring Rantanen’s progress in the coming weeks as they aim to sustain their momentum through a critical stretch of the season.
Glen Gulutzan said Mikko Rantanen will miss at least two weeks, possibly longer. He said he will be back before the end of the season.
— Lia Assimakopoulos (@Lassimak) February 24, 2026
We have placed Mikko Rantanen on IR (lower body), retroactive to Feb. 20.
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) February 23, 2026
Gulutzan says Mikko Rantanen will be going to the doctor today, but he expects Dallas will “miss him for a little bit here.”
Adds, “I wouldn’t expect him, certainly for the first game, or maybe in the first two.” But didn’t want to speculate beyond this week.
— Robert Tiffin (@RobertTiffin) February 23, 2026
