New York – Mikko Rantanen, a prominent scorer in the NHL, has experienced a tumultuous season marked by both on-ice controversies and significant career changes. After serving his first suspension due to two game misconducts, Rantanen is now focused on establishing himself with the Dallas Stars following a double trade that has shaped his recent professional journey.
Rantanen’s first ejection occurred during a game against the New York Islanders on November 18, where he received widespread criticism for a hit that resulted in a significant injury to defenseman Alex Romanov. The incident forced Romanov to undergo shoulder surgery, sidelining him for a minimum of five months. This physical play drew sharp reactions from Islanders coach Patrick Roy, who publicly condemned Rantanen’s actions, labeling the hit as “disrespectful.” Rantanen expressed that he understood the media’s focus on the incident, stating, “Usually if something happens, if somebody gets pissed off, the media picks it up.”
NHL rules stipulate that players must avoid suspension by maintaining a threshold of 41 games between ejections. Rantanen’s second misconduct, which involved a boarding penalty against Calgary Flames forward Matt Coronato, resulted in an automatic one-game ban. Despite the scrutiny, Rantanen remains unfazed about the upcoming rematch with the Islanders, asserting, “I’m just going to play there, play hard, play hockey and see what comes at me.”
In the midst of these challenges, Rantanen’s career took a pivotal turn earlier this year when he was traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes on January 24, 2025. The trade, which sent leading scorer Martin Necas to Colorado, was described by Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland as a “business decision” amid Rantanen’s high salary demands, rumored to be around $14 million annually.
Rantanen’s time with the Hurricanes was brief, lasting only 13 games. Carolina aimed to negotiate a contract extension that aligned with his expectations, but the player did not feel at home in Raleigh. Subsequently, he was traded again, this time to the Dallas Stars, in exchange for young forward Logan Stankoven. Carolina General Manager Eric Tulsky remarked on Rantanen’s situation, noting, “My sense of it was that this just didn’t feel like home for him.”
This whirlwind of trades was a humbling experience for Rantanen. He had hoped to remain with Colorado, where he contributed significantly to their Stanley Cup victory in 2022. Reflecting on the tumultuous nature of the season, he shared, “You learn always from those tough moments, whether it’s on the ice or wherever in life.”
As Rantanen settled into Dallas, he signed an eight-year contract worth $96 million that included a full no-movement clause. This long-term commitment reflects the Stars’ belief in his abilities as a franchise player. The recent trades ignited discussions throughout the NHL about Rantanen’s value and whether he could thrive outside of Colorado’s system.
In the playoffs, Rantanen began to silence critics, contributing significantly to the Stars’ performance with 22 points in 18 games. His standout performance included a remarkable stretch of nine goals and eight assists in just six games. Rantanen’s play has been instrumental in leading the Stars back to the conference finals for the third consecutive season, including a first-round elimination of the Avalanche.
Now, comfortably settled in Dallas, Rantanen has shifted his focus back to hockey. He and his girlfriend, Susanna Ranta, have recently become engaged, adding to his sense of stability. “We’re settled and know where we’re going to be,” he explained. “You don’t have to think about off-ice stuff as much. You can just focus on hockey.”
Through 25 games this season, Rantanen has recorded 33 points, including 10 goals. His contributions are particularly notable on the power play, where he has amassed 18 points, helping Dallas secure a strong offensive presence. Teammate Jason Robertson emphasized that having Rantanen participate in a full training camp has been vital to the team’s cohesiveness.
Rantanen’s chemistry with center Wyatt Johnston has blossomed as well. Johnston, alongside Robertson, has emerged as a key player for the Stars, boasting 16 goals himself. Rantanen noted the importance of finding the right fit and developing relationships with teammates, stating, “We can still get better, but it’s going in a good direction.”
As he integrates into the team, Rantanen has also revealed a different side of himself. Known for his size and skill, he has brought a charismatic energy to the Stars’ locker room, earning respect from teammates like Tyler Seguin. Seguin remarked on Rantanen’s positive demeanor, highlighting the impact he has made as a leader.
Rantanen’s journey has not only been about overcoming adversity on the ice but also about finding his place within a new team dynamic. As he continues to drive the Stars toward their first Stanley Cup victory since 1999, he reflects on the lessons learned from a chaotic season. “Last year was nothing like I’ve experienced before. Hopefully it never happens again,” he stated. “But if it does, I’m ready.”
