Mikko Rantanen Suspended One Game Following Boarding Incident Against Calgary Flames

DALLAS, Texas — November 23, 2025 — Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars has been suspended for one game following a boarding incident during Saturday night’s game against the Calgary Flames, officials said. The suspension comes after Rantanen was ejected from the game for a second game misconduct penalty related to the hit.

According to league authorities, the boarding hit occurred late in the second period and was deemed dangerous enough to warrant immediate removal from the contest and subsequent disciplinary action. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety reviewed the play and determined that a one-game suspension was appropriate given Rantanen’s conduct and the nature of the hit.

The boarding penalty involves a player violently pushing or checking an opponent into the boards, which can result in serious injury. In this instance, Rantanen’s hit was classified as a boarding infraction, leading to his ejection and suspension.

This is not the first time Rantanen has faced disciplinary measures for on-ice conduct. Officials noted that his prior history factored into the decision to impose a suspension rather than a lesser penalty. The league has been emphasizing player safety this season, particularly concerning hits that target vulnerable players near the boards.

The Dallas Stars are set to play their next game without Rantanen, who is a key forward for the team. The suspension could impact the Stars’ lineup and strategy as they prepare for upcoming matchups.

The Calgary Flames did not report any serious injuries resulting from the hit, and the player involved was able to continue playing after the incident. However, the league’s strict stance on boarding aims to discourage similar plays in the future.

NHL Commissioner and league officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining player safety and enforcing rules that protect athletes from dangerous hits. The Department of Player Safety continues to monitor games closely and issue suspensions or fines when necessary.

Rantanen’s suspension marks the latest disciplinary action in a season that has seen several players penalized for aggressive and unsafe hits. The NHL’s approach seeks to balance the physical nature of hockey with the need to minimize risks to players’ health.

The Dallas Stars organization has not released an official statement regarding the suspension, and Rantanen has not publicly commented on the incident. The team is expected to adjust its roster and game plan accordingly for the upcoming contest.

Saturday’s game between the Stars and Flames was competitive, with both teams vying for playoff positioning. The incident involving Rantanen overshadowed some of the on-ice action and drew attention to ongoing concerns about player safety in the league.

The NHL will continue to enforce its rules and review plays that involve potential violations, aiming to uphold the integrity of the game while protecting its players from harm.