Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen finished the 2025‑26 NHL season playing with a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) [1].
The revelation explains a dip in performance for the Finnish winger during the final stretch of the campaign. Because Rantanen is a key offensive driver for the Stars, his diminished mobility impacted the team's overall effectiveness on the ice [1].
According to team reports, Rantanen sustained the injury in February 2026 [2] while competing at the Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy [2]. Despite the severity of the tear, the forward continued to play through the spring 2026 conclusion of the season [2].
Jim Nill said, "He tore his MCL at the Olympics and it kept him from being himself the rest of the season" [1].
The injury limited Rantanen's mobility and prevented him from playing at his usual level for the remainder of the year [1]. However, the Dallas Stars organization said that Rantanen will be full strength next season [4].
Medical staff members said that the recovery process will not involve invasive procedures. Team medical staff said, "He won’t require surgery for the MCL tear" [3].
The team is now focusing on a full recovery for Rantanen while also looking forward to the return of other key players, including Jason Robertson, and Jamie Benn [1].
“"He tore his MCL at the Olympics and it kept him from being himself the rest of the season."”
Rantanen's decision to play through a torn ligament highlights the physical toll of competing in both international Olympic play and a grueling NHL schedule. The fact that he can recover without surgery suggests a more favorable timeline for his return to peak form, reducing the risk of long-term instability in the knee that often follows surgical intervention.
