Dallas Stars' Mikko Rantanen in Hot Water Over Military Service

Mikko Rantanen faces $100,000 fine for unauthorized military absence

Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen faces a potential $100,000 fine for allegedly failing to report for mandatory military service in Finland. Learn more about the controversy.

Mikko Rantanen, the talented forward for the Colorado Avalanche, is facing a potential fine for allegedly failing to report for military service in Finland last year. Rantanen was scheduled to join the Guard Jaeger Regiment on April 14, 2024, while he was still an active player in the NHL season. The Finnish Defence Forces have confirmed that Rantanen did not report for duty as required.

As a Finnish citizen, Rantanen is obligated to fulfill his military service requirements. The Defence Forces take these obligations seriously, and failure to comply can result in penalties. Rantanen's situation has drawn attention to the challenges faced by Finnish athletes serving abroad, balancing their professional careers with national service duties.

Mikko Rantanen is facing Prosecution & Fines for refusing to appear for military service

•Rantanen was supposed to join the Guard Jaeger Regiment in April 2024, but didn't appear at the deadline
•The prosecutor is demanding a 10–15 day fine
•Fine up to €84,750#TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/VHMY3uekF1

— FinntasticStats🇫🇮 (@FinntasticStats) August 20, 2025

Mikko Rantanen, the Dallas Stars forward, is facing a potential fine of approximately €56,500 to €84,750 for allegedly failing to report for mandatory military service in Finland. The fine is calculated based on his estimated monthly income of around €339,000. Rantanen denies the charges of unauthorized absence and negligent official misconduct, claiming he didn't intentionally miss his service date.

The Charges Against Rantanen:

• Unauthorized Absence: Rantanen was supposed to report for military service on April 15, 2024, but submitted a request for postponement one day late.

• Potential Fine: The prosecutor is seeking a penalty equivalent to 10-15 days of Rantanen's salary, which could total between €56,500 and €84,750.

• Additional Costs: Court costs and surcharges would further increase the amount Rantanen owes.

Rantanen's Situation:

Military Service Obligation: In Finland, men between 18 and 28 years old are required to complete at least six months of military service.

Previous Exemptions: Some Finnish players, like Roope Hintz and Olli Määttä, have either completed their service or received exemptions due to medical conditions.

Impact on Career: This situation may affect Rantanen's reputation in Finland and potentially impact his NHL career.

Mikko Rantanen, the Dallas Stars forward, has been discharged from military service due to health reasons, according to his agent Matti Huhtamäki. “Mikko has entered service normally this summer and has been released for health reasons,” Huhtamäki said in a statement. Rantanen had reported for military service earlier this summer, but his discharge comes amid an ongoing case regarding his alleged unauthorized absence from military service last year.

Rantanen is facing a potential fine for allegedly failing to report for military service on time, with the prosecutor seeking a penalty equivalent to 10-15 days of his salary. His case has drawn attention due to Finland's strict conscription laws, which require all physically able men to serve at least six months in the military or 13 months in civil service before turning 29.