Rantanen was expected to enter the Guard Jaeger Regiment on 14th April 2024, at which time he was still participating in the 2023/24 National Hockey League (NHL) season for the Colorado Avalanche.
The 28-year-old had a postponement request approved on 16th April, which allowed him to report for military service at a later date. However, his request is said to have only been submitted on 15th April, after he was meant to report to the regiment, which houses the Finnish Defence Forces Sports School.
Therefore the prosecutor claims Rantanen's absence was unlawful and is demanding he pays a 10-15 day fine as punishment.
Finnish law dictates that the fine is based on a percentage of the person's income, and based roughly on his estimated monthly salary, the fine would be approximately 56,500–84,750 EUR, depending on how many days he is fined for.
Rantanen denies the charges of unauthorised absence and negligent official misconduct.
Amid the ongoing case, Rantanen reported for military service earlier this summer, but it emerged yesterday that he had been discharged on medical grounds.
In a short statement, his agent Matti Huhtamäki said, "Mikko has entered service normally this summer and has been released for health reasons."
