Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen is currently embroiled in a legal dispute in Finland over his mandatory military service, facing a potential fine nearing six figures. The 28-year-old right winger is accused of unauthorized absence from service, which is compulsory for Finnish men between 18 and 28 years old.
Rantanen was scheduled to begin his military service with the Guard Jaeger Regiment on April 15, 2024. Instead of reporting, he submitted a request to postpone his service, which was received on April 16, a day after the deadline. While the postponement was ultimately approved, prosecutors are pursuing a fine for the one-day lapse. They argue that Rantanen was absent without authorization for that single day.
The fine being sought is calculated based on Rantanen's income. With estimated monthly earnings of €339,000 (approximately $368,000 USD), the prosecution is seeking a penalty equivalent to 10-15 days of salary, potentially reaching between €56,500 and €84,750 (roughly $61,500 to $92,300 USD). Additional court costs could further increase the total amount. Some reports estimate the fine could reach nearly $100,000 USD.
Rantanen is denying the charges. His agent, Matti Huhtamäki, stated that Rantanen applied for and received a deferment within hours of his report time. Therefore, Rantanen maintains he did nothing wrong. Rantanen's legal team is not offering further comments and will allow the court to make a final decision.
The case is under review in a Finnish regional court. If the court upholds the charges, the fine could become one of the largest imposed on a professional athlete for military service obligations in recent years.
Finland requires men to complete about six months of military service between the ages of 18 and 28. Other Finnish NHL players, like Roope Hintz and Olli Määttä, have fulfilled this obligation. Some players, such as Kaapo Kakko, have received medical exemptions. Rantanen was only granted a postponement, not an exemption. He had briefly started his service earlier in the summer but was released due to health reasons.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by athletes from countries with mandatory military service. They must comply with legal requirements despite their NHL commitments. This situation could bring controversy to Rantanen, who has represented Finland in international competitions. Despite the legal issues, Rantanen is preparing for the upcoming NHL season.
The case underscores the strictness of Finland's military service laws and how they apply even to high-profile athletes. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of athletes and their management teams to handle these obligations proactively.
