Dallas Stars

Suspension Coming For Stars’ Forward Mikko Rantanen

The NHL is reviewing Mikko Rantanen’s latest boarding penalty, and a suspension is expected. Here’s what we know so far.

by
NHL Trade Talk
November 23, 2025

It looks like Mikko Rantanen is about to finally be penalized for two reckless plays in the past two games. The Dallas Stars forward is under league review, and this time it sounds like supplemental discipline is finally on the way.

According to reporter Lia Assimakopoulos, the NHL is reviewing Rantanen’s boarding penalty from last night’s game against the Calgary Flames, and a suspension of some kind is expected. This follows a growing chorus of media and fans questioning how long Rantanen could continue throwing dangerous hits without consequences.

The latest incident came when Rantanen drilled Flames forward Matt Coronato from behind, earning a major penalty and game misconduct—his second such ejection in the span of a week. Earlier, he delivered a similar hit on Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov, who was fortunately able to leave the ice under his own power. Rantanen got away with the Romanov hit because it was deemed his skate had been caught up with the skate of another player, taking him off balance. This time, the play was obvious and intentional.

Rantanen also picked up a $2,000 fine for embellishment days later, which has led to him building a reputation this season and quite the dirty player.

Mikko Rantanen is likely to receive a suspension for his hit on Matt Coronato

The Flames didn’t take kindly to Rantanen’s hit on Coronato, either. Matt Coronato spoke postgame about teammate Jonathan Huberdeau stepping in to fight Rantanen immediately afterward, calling it a reflection of the tight-knit Flames locker room.

The Rantanen Pattern Is Getting Hard to Ignore

At this point, the pattern is becoming hard to ignore. With back-to-back dangerous plays, another major penalty, and growing scrutiny across the league, the expectation is that the Department of Player Safety will act. Some fans are also pointing to the automatic suspension language in the rulebook for repeat offenders who rack up multiple majors of the same type in a short span.

Whether the NHL hands down a one-game punishment or something more meaningful, the message seems clear: Rantanen’s recent run of reckless hits has finally crossed the line.

More to come as the league announces its decision.

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