The Dallas Stars have a big game on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, as the franchise hopes to remain atop the Western Conference. Leading up to the contest, the organization made an official announcement regarding Mikko Rantanen's injury status.
Dallas shared on X that the 29-year-old forward is officially being activated off the IR. One of the club's top players is returning to action just in time to begin ramping up for the upcoming postseason.
“We have activated Mikko Rantanen off of IR,” announced the Stars.
Rantanen initially suffered a lower-body injury during the 2026 Winter Olympics playing for Team Finland. Not only did it knock the 11-year veteran out of the Olympics, but it also left him out of the last 15 games for the Stars.
In 54 appearances on the ice this season, Rantanen has recorded 69 points (20 goals, 49 assists). His return is huge for Dallas, as the club appears to be ready for a deep playoff run with the Stanley Cup in their sights.
Mikko Rantanen originally joined the Stars in the 2024-25 campaign after being traded twice before the deadline that season. He was initially traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes, then again from the Hurricanes to the Stars. Rantanen has been a fixture in Dallas ever since.
The Stars already have a playoff spot secured in the Central Division of the Western Conference. With 10 games remaining on the schedule, including Saturday's contest against the Penguins, Dallas will aim to finish with the highest seed possible. It also gives Rantanen the time he needs to fully prepare for the postseason.
