The Dallas Stars have announced that star forward Mikko Rantanen has been placed on injured reserve, effective from February 20th. This date coincides with Finland's loss to Canada in the quarterfinals of the Winter Olympic tournament.
Head coach Glen Gulutzan addressed the media, including Stars Thoughts’ Robert Tiffin, stating that Rantanen is doubtful for the Stars’ first game back after the break. Beyond that, his status remains uncertain, as Gulutzan refrained from speculating further.
The decision to place Rantanen on IR retroactively suggests that the Stars are optimistic about a quick return. Since the IR designation is backdated to February 20th, Rantanen could be activated as soon as February 27th. This move indicates that the team does not anticipate a lengthy absence, which is encouraging for fans.
Despite Rantanen’s injury, Finland managed to secure a bronze medal against Slovakia. However, his absence could impact the Stars’ performance, as Rantanen is a key player, leading the team with 69 points in 54 games. He is also the top forward in terms of ice time per game, making his presence crucial.
Losing Rantanen, even for a short period, is a setback for the Stars. Yet, the nature of his IR placement and Gulutzan’s comments suggest he won’t be out for long, which is promising news for Dallas as they look to maintain their momentum in the season.