Mikko Rantanen's controversial testimony was brought up - a revelation from a tough opponent

Dallas Stars’ Finnish star Mikko Rantanen found himself in the center of a controversy last season when he checked New York Islanders’ Russian defenseman Aleksandr Romanov with harsh consequences.

Romanov was sent crashing into the boards as a result of Rantanen’s hit and was injured. Romanov underwent shoulder surgery, and his season ended already in November. He managed to play only 15 games last season.

Rantanen did not receive a suspension for the incident.

Now Romanov tells the Russian site Championat that he has recovered from the shoulder injury. He states that he is pain-free and able to train fully.

Championat also asked Romanov if Rantanen reached out to him after the hit.

– Yes, he sent me a message. He said that the act was not intentional, Romanov revealed in the interview.

Romanov mentioned that the end of the season in November was a significant setback, but he does not mention Rantanen again in the interview.

– The injury was unfortunate. But you just have to learn from everything and move forward, Romanov said.

Romanov signed an eight-year, $50 million contract with the Islanders last summer, which guarantees him $6.25 million per season.

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NHL | 26.10.2026 19:25