Finnish prosecutors are seeking to fine former Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen close to $100,000 for failing to report on time for mandatory military service during his tenure with the team, according to a report out of Finland from Helsingin Sanomat’s Janne Oivio.

In Finland, penalties are calculated under a “day-fine” system tied to income. With Rantanen’s NHL salary, prosecutors are asking for 10 to 15 day fines, totaling between 56,500 and 84,750 euros — equal to roughly $65,800 to $98,600 at current exchange rates.

Rantanen earned $9.5 million with Colorado in the 2023–24 season, according to spotrac.com’s salary database. The fine stems from an April 15, 2024, report date — three days before Colorado opened its first-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Winnipeg Jets.

According to the report, Rantanen was instructed to file a formal deferment request to postpone the start of his military service. The report stated he contacted a regional office the morning of April 15 and was told to submit the paperwork by 3 p.m. The application was not logged until 7:12 p.m. and approved the following day, leading prosecutors to classify the delay as an unauthorized absence.

Finland’s military uses a conscription model. Under Finnish law, every male citizen between the ages of 18 and 60 is required to serve in the military or civilian service, according to the Finnish Defence Forces. Women may volunteer.

Last season, the Avalanche traded Rantanen in a three-team deal that sent him to the Carolina Hurricanes, a move that also involved former MVP Taylor Hall going from Chicago to Carolina. Colorado received Martin Necas, Jack Drury and two draft picks in return.

Rantanen played only 13 games in Carolina before being moved again at the trade deadline to the Dallas Stars. Dallas sent rookie forward Logan Stankoven, two first-round selections and two third-round picks to acquire Rantanen, then signed him to an eight-year, $96 million contract extension.

Rantanen exacted revenge against his former team months later, eliminating the Avalanche from the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a hat trick in Game 7 of their first-round series.

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Originally Published: August 21, 2025 at 12:42 PM MDT