Unsettling Mikko Rantanen Injury Photo Surfaces After Taking A Puck to Face

The Dallas Stars need a player like Mikko Rantanen ready to contribute to the team's success every night.

But during the second period in tonight's game against the Minnesota Wild, teammate Ilya Lyubushkin's shot would collide with Rantanen's face.

He'd leave the game in pain and head down the tunnel, favoring his face after the incident occurred.

It'd leave him with a shiner you cannot mistake, and a bruised ego undoubtedly, as he'd have to return to the game with a face shield.

The Finnish forward couldn't escape the camera postgame, as we got a good look at what a puck to the face looks like afterward.

While the injury wasn't serious for Rantanen, it was another short obstacle on a roller-coaster ride of a season he's been on this year, after being traded twice.

Once from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes, where he'd only post 6 points in 13 games and wasn't a fit in Rod Brind'Amour's system.

Instead of signing a hefty long-term deal with the Hurricanes, GM Eric Tulsky would trade him to the Dallas Stars for star prospect Logan Stankoven.

Since he arrived in Dallas, he's scored 4 points ( 2 goals, 2 assists) in seven games under Head Coach Peter DeBoer.

The contract Rantanen signed with the Stars pays him $12 million AAV over the next eight NHL seasons.