All signs are pointing to Mikko Rantanen returning from injury in the Stars’ road game in Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon.
The Stars activated Rantanen off IR Saturday morning, according to the NHL media site, ahead of the Stars’ 4 p.m. CT game against the Penguins.
The Stars won’t hold morning skate Saturday, so Rantanen’s official status will be known closer to game time.
“He’s very close to playing,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said Friday. “I think, certainly, he’ll play one of these games. If it’s not Saturday, certainly it’ll be Sunday, or maybe both.”
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Rantanen has not played for the Stars since Feb. 4 — ahead of the Olympics where he suffered a lower-body injury in Finland’s semifinal matchup with Canada on Feb. 20.
Rantanen — who joined the team ahead of last season’s trade deadline and signed an eight-year, $96 million deal at the time — was Dallas’ leader in points up until his injury with 69 (20 goals and 49 assists) in 54 games this season.
The Stars managed to tie a franchise record points streak without Rantanen in their early games after the break but have since struggled offensively, losing their last four and five of their last six.
Even with Rantanen’s return, Dallas would still be without forwards Roope Hintz, Radek Faksa and Sam Steel due to injury.
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