Breaking: Dallas Stars' Mikko Rantanen convicted in Finland after court decision

The case stems from April 2024, when Rantanen, then still playing with the Colorado Avalanche, was unable to report for duty as his NHL season was still underway. Like all Finnish males, Rantanen was required to complete mandatory service between the ages of 18 and 28, unless exempted for health reasons.

The Helsinki District Court ruled that the winger committed an unauthorized absence from his service, issuing him a fine of €33,290 - roughly $38,700 USD.

That figure is significantly lower than earlier reports, which suggested fines could reach €85,000, close to $100,000 USD.

Rantanen has pushed back on the ruling, denying he committed any crime. He claimed he had been informed in the summer of 2023 that his service would not begin until July 2024 at the earliest.

Rantanen said, according to Helsingin Sanomat.

Despite that, the court noted that his signature appeared on the receipt of the order, making him responsible for the missed reporting.

The 28-year-old has since been granted a health exemption, which means he will not be required to complete military service moving forward. However, HS also reported that the verdict is not final and could still change on appeal.

For now, Rantanen and the Stars will attempt to move past the distraction as the forward prepares for his first full season in Dallas. After arriving in a blockbuster trade last year, Rantanen has become one of the franchise's cornerstones alongside Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz.

I think this will blow over quickly in the hockey world, but it's certainly a rare off-ice headline for a player of Rantanen's caliber.