Mikko Rantanen, who sustained an injury during the Olympics, is reportedly set to miss upcoming games for the Dallas Stars, according to TSN's hockey commentator Pierre LeBrun. Additionally, the team's veteran player Tyler Seguin is also expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injury, leading the Stars to place him on the Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) list. This strategic move allows Dallas to maximize their salary cap space as they approach the trade deadline.

With Seguin's salary of $9.85 million being freed up due to his placement on LTIR, the Stars will gain significant flexibility in the salary cap that could allow them to pursue key acquisitions. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman indicated that Dallas has already expressed interest in the services of 36-year-old Steven Stamkos, a prolific goal-scorer from Nashville with a contract that runs through 2028. Thus far this season, Stamkos has impressively notched 29 goals and 45 points over 58 games, making him a desirable target for teams looking to bolster their roster as the season progresses.

The NHL's trade window is set to close next Friday, March 6th, and the looming deadline could compel the Stars to make swift moves to adjust their lineup and maximize their performance potential for the remainder of the season. The injuries to Rantanen and Seguin put pressure on the team to make critical decisions regarding trades and to either remain competitive in the league or rebuild their roster for future seasons.