Dallas Stars

Coach Confirms Rantanen Injury, But with Questionable Return Timeline

What are the trade deadline plans for the Dallas Stars as the coach confirms a, hopefully short-term, Mikko Rantanen injury?

by
NHL Trade Talk
February 23, 2026

On the latest episode of his 32 Thoughts Podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Mikko Rantanen will “miss some time” as the Dallas Stars resume their regular season schedule this week. The forward suffered an injury during the Olympics, and it sounds like it won’t be just a couple of games that he’s away.

“Rantanen got hurt here,” Friedman noted. “I think he’s going to miss some time. I don’t believe it’s season-ending, but I think he’s going to miss some time.”

Rantanen has 20 goals and 49 assists for 69 points in 54 games played. That’s the most of any player on the Stars roster this season.

Head coach Glen Gulutzan did not have a full update on Mikko Rantanen at practice on Monday, but did confirm they will not have him for the first game or two. He said, they will “miss him for a little bit here.” He added, “I wouldn’t expect him, certainly for the first game, or maybe in the first two.” The coach chose not to speculate beyond this week.

It was also revealed that Jake Oettinger will not play the first game due to travel return logistics. Casey DeSmith was always planned to start the first game back.

Dallas Stars Trade Deadline Plans

Key Needs

The Rantanen news shouldn’t alter the Stars’ deadline plans that much. Going into March 6, they are primarily targeting:

Forward depth, especially a top-six forward, to offset production lost from Tyler Seguin’s ACL injury (suffered in December).
A top-four right-shot defenseman for added stability on the blue line.

They have limited cap flexibility (~$3.3 million in space currently), but could gain more.

Potential Targets

Recent previews suggest realistic fits like:

Blake Coleman (LW, Calgary Flames) — for forward depth, physicality, and playoff experience.
Justin Faulk (RHD, St. Louis Blues) — as a right-shot defenseman option.

There have been earlier links to names like Evander Kane (for toughness) and Rasmus Ristolainen (as a possible backup plan for right-shot D). Given asset limitations and the uncertainty surrounding Jason Robertson, the Stars will be an intriguing team to watch over the next two weeks.

Next: Insider Adds Fuel to the Sergei Bobrovsky Trade Rumors