The flu bug has made its way to Dallas, and it’s hit the Stars hard-specifically Mikko Rantanen, who will miss tonight’s game due to illness. That’s a major blow for a team already trying to shake off a rough stretch.
The Stars have dropped six of their last 10, including three straight, and now they’ll have to face a red-hot Bruins squad without their top offensive weapon. Rantanen has been the engine of this offense, racking up 63 points in 48 games-production that’s not easily replaced.
The good news for Dallas? This doesn’t look like a long-term absence.
Rantanen could be back later this week, with the Stars scheduled to play Thursday and Friday before getting the weekend off. In the meantime, Nathan Bastian will step into the lineup.
The 28-year-old has seen limited action this season, with just three goals in 22 games, mostly in a fourth-line role. He’s not expected to fill Rantanen’s skates, but he’ll be tasked with bringing energy and physicality in a depth role.
Around the Central Division, there’s no shortage of news:
In Colorado, forward Valeri Nichushkin was a late scratch last night-but not for the usual reasons. According to head coach Jared Bednar, Nichushkin was involved in a car accident on his way to the rink.
Thankfully, he escaped with only minor injuries and is listed as questionable for the Avalanche’s next game against Anaheim. Nichushkin’s quietly been one of Colorado’s most reliable secondary scorers this season, posting 27 points in 38 games.
His status will be one to watch, but in his absence, the Avs didn’t miss a beat, taking care of business with a 5-2 win over Washington.
Meanwhile, in Nashville, GM Barry Trotz is keeping things close to the vest when it comes to his pending unrestricted free agents. Trotz told reporters he hasn’t yet had discussions with Michael Bunting, Michael McCarron, or Cole Smith-three players all set to hit the open market and all aged 30.
Bunting, in particular, could draw interest from contenders. He’s on pace for a 20-goal season and has done a better job staying out of the penalty box-an area that’s been a sticking point in the past.
His $4.5 million cap hit might be a hurdle, but his mix of grit and scoring touch makes him a name to watch.
As for McCarron and Smith, they’ve become staples on the Predators’ fourth line. Both bring size, physicality, and a consistent work ethic-traits Trotz has long valued.
Instead of shopping them for minimal returns at the deadline, Nashville could look to lock them in on team-friendly deals. It’s a balancing act between building for the future and rewarding the kind of role players who help set the tone night in and night out.
With the trade deadline slowly creeping into view and playoff races tightening, these developments across the Central could have ripple effects in the weeks to come. Whether it’s navigating short-term absences or long-term roster decisions, teams are entering the part of the season where every move-and every missed shift-starts to matter just a little more.