How could Mikko Rantanen’s injury affect the stars’ deadline plans?

According to reports, Dallas Forward and Team Finland star Mikko Rantanen will be ruled out of Finland’s bronze medal match against Slovakia on Saturday. Unable to go due to a lower-body injury sustained in the third period of their 3-2 semi-final loss to Canada the day before, it’s a huge loss for Team Finland.

The question now is: will it be a big loss for Dallas as well? How serious is this injury?

Rantanen, who led Finland with six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in five tournament games, was scratched for the bronze medal game. Oliver Kapanen steps to the top alongside Sebastian Aho and Artturi Lehkonen.

Per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman: “Rantanen was injured in the third period of yesterday’s game against Canada. Will be re-evaluated when he returns to Dallas regarding the severity and timeline of the injury. EDIT: Apparently not concerned about this being the end of the season… but exact severity to follow.”

The fact that the injury is not considered season-ending is good news. The fact that Rantanen will undergo a full evaluation upon his return to Dallas is a troubling development.

Trade deadline context for Dallas

The NHL trade deadline is March 6, 2026, about two weeks after the hiatus ends. Rantanen has been a cornerstone after being traded and signing a big extension last season. He scored 69 points (20G, 49A) in 54 games this season before the Olympics.

Dallas is in strong contention mode with core pieces like Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston, Miro Heiskanen, Jake Oettinger and Rantanen driving a Cup push. The Stars are also said to be eyeing the market for potential additions, particularly forward depth or center-six help. If Rantanen misses significant time, should the Stars find someone to fill the void his absence may create?

General Manager Jim Nill has cap flexibility after the break (potentially a $3+ million base, more with LTIR), and the club is positioned as a buyer rather than a seller.

Does the injury change trading plans?

It’s a fair question, but to think that all this will change dramatically is a stretch.

The lower body injury may be short-lived. If so, Dallas can’t use its cap space to add and should consider having the cap space needed in the postseason. Dallas has time to evaluate Rantanen before March 6. If it’s a minor adjustment (missed by 1-2 weeks, for example), it won’t derail their buyer status.

If Rantanen is out, that shouldn’t force the Stars not to ‘go for it’. The Stars are still in a great spot even without any major moves. The injury causes caution, but does not lead to sellers or a forced sale.

This is a wait and see situation. If the review reveals something more serious, it could increase the urgency for a trade, pushing Dallas toward a rental prospect or a bottom. But with the report ‘not yet over’, plans are unlikely to change dramatically.

Next: NHL Trade Watch: Rangers Retool, Predators Deadline Plans and Canucks’ Fire Sale