In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Mikko Rantanen is facing prosecution and fines for refusing to appear for military service. Is he in trouble, or is this a big to-do about nothing? Meanwhile, Patrik Laine says he’s open to signing an extension with the Montreal Canadiens. Will the team keep him or trade him before a potential extension? Finally, one scribe comments on the future of Quinn Hughes in Vancouver. Where is the natural landing spot if Hughes chooses not to stay?
Mikko Rantanen Denies Charge Of Avoiding Military Service
Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen is facing prosecution in Finland for what authorities are calling an “unauthorized absence” from mandatory military service.
As per a report by ltalehti, he was scheduled to report with the Guard Jaeger Regiment on April 15, 2024, but Rantanen submitted his deferment request one day late. The request was approved, but prosecutors maintain he is guilty of misconduct and are seeking a penalty of 10–15 days’ salary, potentially totaling nearly €84,750 ($98,700 USD).
Rantanen denies any wrongdoing, and the case will now proceed to court for a final decision, says his agent, Matti Huhtamäki. He has stated they will not comment further.
Laine Open to Extending Contract with Canadiens
Patrik Laine has expressed a clear interest in staying with the Montreal Canadiens, saying he has enjoyed his time with the team and can see himself playing in Montreal long-term. He stated, “I’d be more than happy to obviously play here. It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of this city and this organization for a year now.”
Laine added that joining the Canadiens has renewed his love for the game.
Laine enters the final year of his current contract, and some might call it a make-or-break season for the winger. His name has come up in frequent trade speculation, and while he has shown elite scoring ability, much of his production has come on the power play, and his five-on-five impact has been limited. Injuries have also hampered his output, raising questions about whether he can return to full health and potentially reach a 40-goal pace next season.
Related: 3 Toughest Stretches of the Canadiens’ 2025-26 Schedule
The Canadiens might want to explore the idea of what Laine can do alongside healthy Kirby Dach or rookie sensation Ivan Demidov.
Scribe Says Devils Could Be the Natural Destination for Quinn Hughes
Quinn Hughes’ future with the Vancouver Canucks continues to draw speculation. James Mirtle of The Athletic was asked in a mailbag article about the likelihood that Hughes could wind up in New Jersey, and the scribe hinted that the Canucks would need to have a rebound season to convince him to stay.
Mirtle writes:
“Maybe Vancouver surprises and has a huge bounce-back season that convinces their captain to stay. Feels unlikely to me, to be honest, but that’s their best-case scenario. Otherwise, they have to start contemplating what a blockbuster trade might look like and whether it’s all about futures.”
source – ‘NHL cap accrual explained, Quinn Hughes’ future and more: Mirtle mailbag, part 2’ – James Mirtle – The Athletic – 08/21/2025
With two years left on his deal, Hughes may consider his options if the Canucks don’t show significant progress. And, as already admitted by Canucks’ President Jim Rutherford, the New Jersey Devils could emerge as a natural landing spot, particularly to join brothers Jack and Luke Hughes.
By 2027–28, the Devils are projected to have substantial cap space, with key contracts expiring and young defense prospects coming up. Mirtle said of the Devils’ cap situation, “I don’t see the finances as the barrier here, especially when you consider any potential trade with the Canucks could also involve salary going the other way.”
Sign up for our FREE Daily NHL News & Rumors Substack newsletter
