Before the San Jose Sharks take on the Dallas Stars, SHD was able to have an exclusive one-on-one interview with NHL superstar Mikko Rantanen.

The Stars forward has been one of the best players in the league over the past few seasons and is continuing that trend this season. In 33 games, Rantanen has 14 goals and 30 assists. His 44 points lead the team.

Rantanen was already named to Team Finland for the 2026 Olympic Games and told SHD he is excited to represent his country.

“Dream come true. Those are games, especially in Finland, you always watched,” Rantanen said. “I remember watching growing up, team Finland was a really big deal. It will be a dream come true.”

There has been a ton of news about the size of the ice for the rink in Italy. The length will be roughly three feet shorter than a standard NHL rink (200 ft.). There is also concern about the actual ice quality, which Rantanen is more worried about, but he thinks it’ll be fine.

The IIHF confirms the ice surfaces for the Milan Olympics will be shorter than a typical NHL building — 196.85 ft. x 85.3 ft — and defends the decision:

“The differences in rink specifications are insignificant, and should not impact either the safety or quality of game play.”

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 8, 2025

“It’s smaller than an NHL ring a little bit, but I think it’s the same for everybody,” the Stars forward said. “As long as the ice is good, the condition, I don’t think you can feel the difference that much. It’s not like it’s 10 feet, the difference. I think it’s gonna be fine.”

Rantanen will likely be matched up against San Jose Sharks Olympic hopeful Macklin Celebrini on Thursday. Celebrini is coming off one of the best games of the season with two goals and two assists.

“It’s not easy [to defend him]. He’s one of the top players in the league already, even though it’s only his second year. He’s really playing well and with high confidence,” Rantanen said of the Sharks’ top center. “He moves really well. Can shoot the puck. [We] can’t give him too many opportunities. He can really score and make plays, so we gotta take some space away from him.”

The Dallas Stars beat the Sharks 4-1 on Dec. 5. Rantanen scored a goal in the game as well. Since that game, the San Jose Sharks have started to find their winning form again. The Sharks enter tonight’s matchup on a three-game winning streak. Rantanen knows that his team can’t take the Sharks lightly.

“They’re a good team. They’ve taken a lot of steps forward compared to even last year. I felt like they were harder to play against, and obviously, their young core is driving the team,” Rantanen said. “Celebrini is probably the frontrunner on that, and other guys too. They have good young players and some veteran guys who support them.”

Puck drop between the San Jose Sharks and the Dallas Stars is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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