Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen will miss several weeks after sustaining a lower-body injury during the Olympic semifinals. Coach Glen Gulutzan confirmed Tuesday that while Rantanen is expected to return before the regular season ends, the recovery timeline extends beyond a few games.

Rantanen, who signed an eight-year, $96 million extension last season, has been Dallas's leading scorer with 69 points (20 goals, 49 assists). The injury occurred during Finland's 3-2 loss to Canada in the Olympic semifinals, preventing him from playing in the bronze medal game. The Stars placed Rantanen on injured reserve Monday after he met with team doctors.

The timing presents challenges for Dallas, which has 25 games remaining through April 15. Rantanen joins several Stars players who competed in the Olympics, with Jake Oettinger returning as backup goalie for Team USA's gold medal run. The Stars host Seattle Wednesday and Nashville Saturday as they navigate this crucial stretch without their top offensive weapon.