NHL fines Mikko Rantanen

Mikko Rantanen might be the league’s leading scorer, but that doesn’t mean he is above the law. This morning the NHL has announced that the Colorado Avalanche winger has been fined $2,000 for embellishment. The fine is part of Rule 64 and is the result of his second diving infraction of the season.

“Rantanen was issued a Warning following an incident flagged by NHL Hockey Operations during NHL Game No. 79 at New York Rangers on Oct. 16. His second Citation, which triggered the $2,000 fine, was issued for an incident at 19:11 of the second period during NHL Game No. 275 against the Boston Bruins on Nov. 14. Rantanen (embellishment) and Boston forward Patrice Bergeron (hooking) received offsetting minor penalties on the play.”

The embellishment penalty last week was deserved. Rantanen felt Bergeron’s stick and went down far too easily.

Mikko is now flagged as a repeat offender by the league, so anything at all that the NHL deems questionable will likely result in his wallet being a little lighter. Good thing he’s going to get that big raise this summer.

The $2,000 penalty will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Here is another look at the play.