As the NHL gears up to resume after the Olympic break, teams are welcoming back their players with a mix of anticipation and concern. Finland's journey ended with a bronze medal after a tough semifinal loss to Canada. However, the spotlight now shifts to Dallas Stars' forward Mikko Rantanen, who was sidelined by an injury during that crucial game.
Rantanen's situation has sparked a flurry of speculation about his availability moving forward. According to Elliotte Friedman on the "32 Thoughts" podcast, while it's not expected to be a season-ending injury, Rantanen is likely to miss some playing time. The injury occurred in the third period against Canada, causing him to miss Finland's subsequent bronze medal victory over Slovakia, a game they dominated 6-1.
Despite his absence on the ice, Rantanen joined his teammates in celebration, albeit with a noticeable limp, as noted by Dallas Stars beat reporter Sam Nestler. His presence, even off the ice, was a morale booster for Finland.
For the Stars, currently in a heated playoff race with a record of 34-14-9, Rantanen's potential absence is a significant concern. They're trailing the Minnesota Wild by just a point for third place in the Central Division, making every game crucial.
The timing couldn't be more critical with the NHL trade deadline looming on March 6. The conclusion of the Olympic trade freeze means teams are now actively assessing their rosters, considering injuries like Rantanen's, and strategizing potential trades to bolster their playoff chances.
The Stars are set to face the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday night, and they'll be keen to get clarity on Rantanen's status as they navigate this pivotal stretch of the season.