The Dallas Stars are enjoying a confident season, built on depth and steady play that has kept them among the top teams in the league. Their rhythm has been strong, but one incident from November continues to follow them around.
As the season progresses and attention moves on to the upcoming rematch with the Islanders, that moment remains a point of focus.
Mikko Rantanen Responds Firmly After Roy’s Threat, Keeps Focus on Hockey
Mikko Rantanen has been a central figure for Dallas since joining the roster. Through 26 games this season, he has produced 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 points, placing himself among the league’s most effective forwards. His passing has been a key part of the Stars’ power play, where he already has 14 assists, and he continues to play heavy minutes nightly.
Dallas has benefited from that production, sitting second in the Central Division with a 17-5-5 record. They average 3.44 goals per game and allow just 2.67. Their power play efficiency stands at 31.9%, while their penalty kill effectiveness sits at 80.5%.
The tone around Rantanen shifted after the late collision on Nov. 18 against the New York Islanders. His hit on Alexander Romanov resulted in a major penalty and game misconduct. Romanov later required shoulder surgery that will keep him out for five to six months. The reaction from Islanders head coach Patrick Roy was strong, and reports described him expressing his displeasure directly, suggesting Rantanen would not finish the next meeting between the two teams.
Rantanen addressed the situation during a conversation with ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski and did not sound shaken by the attention surrounding it.
“Usually if something happens, if somebody gets pissed off, the media picks it up,” he said. “So I’m not really surprised it got so big. I’m just going to play there, play hard, play hockey, and see what comes at me. But I’m a grown man. So I can stand up for myself.”
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At 29 years old, drafted 10th overall by Colorado in 2015, Rantanen has reached a stage in his career where presence matters as much as production. His contract runs for eight years at $96 million, with a $12 million cap hit, keeping him in Dallas through the 2032-33 season. The Stars rely on him for scoring and offensive direction, and this season reflects that clearly.
The hit, Roy’s reaction, and everything that followed added tension to an otherwise strong season for Dallas. Rantanen has made his position clear, responding with composure and moving forward without hesitation. His focus stays on playing hard and producing for the Stars. If he continues at this pace, Dallas should remain one of the top contenders in the West.