Stars' Hintz to miss start of playoffs; Heiskanen expected back

The Dallas Stars are heading into the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs with a mix of challenges and optimism on the injury front. Top-line center Roope Hintz suffered a setback in his recovery from a lower-body injury and will miss the beginning of their first-round series against the Minnesota Wild.[1][2] Stars coach Glen Gulutzan shared the update ahead of the team’s final regular-season game in Buffalo, noting they had hoped for Hintz’s return early in the series but will proceed cautiously.[3]

Meanwhile, the Stars are the Central Division’s No. 2 seed behind Colorado and face a familiar foe in the third-seeded Wild this weekend. While Hintz’s absence stings, Gulutzan expressed hope that top defenseman Miro Heiskanen could be ready for Game 1 after his own lower-body issue.[4]

Roope Hintz’s injury timeline and impact

Hintz has been sidelined since March 6, when he got hurt in a shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche. The setback announced on April 15 means he will definitely sit out Games 1 and 2 of the series.[5] Gulutzan told reporters, “We thought we could have him maybe for the beginning of the series, and it doesn’t look that way. I think he’s progressing now, and we’re just going to be careful here.”[1]

This is a blow for Dallas, where Hintz has been a key two-way center. In the 2025-26 regular season, he tallied solid production despite limited games post-injury, often centering the top line with his speed and defensive prowess.[6] His playoff pedigree adds to the frustration—Hintz contributed significantly in past postseasons, including goals and assists in deep runs.

The Stars’ depth will be tested early. Without Hintz, adjustments to the forward lines could see players like Logan Stankoven or Mikael Granlund stepping up in top-six roles. Historical examples, like the Stars’ 2024 run without key centers, show resilience, but repeating that against a strong Wild team looms large.

Gulutzan emphasized progression over rushing back, a smart move given Dallas’s strong regular-season finish at 49-20-12 for 110 points.[7] Fans will watch closely for any positive updates ahead of potential later-series returns.

Miro Heiskanen’s day-to-day status

Heiskanen, Dallas’s top blueliner, sustained his lower-body injury on April 9 in a win over Minnesota—a poetic twist given the playoff matchup. He missed his third straight game leading into the finale but is improving.[8] “He’s getting better, but it’s kind of day to day right now,” Gulutzan said. “So very hopeful, though, on that front. Obviously a big player for us.”[1]

The Finn’s elite skating and puck-moving ability anchor the Stars’ defense. He’s been pivotal in recent playoff pushes, logging heavy minutes. A Game 1 return would pair him nicely with Thomas Harley on the top pair.[9]

Injuries like Heiskanen’s often linger, but the team’s medical staff has a track record of timely recoveries. If he plays, it offsets some of Hintz’s absence by stabilizing the back end against Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov and Co.

Dallas practiced without him recently, testing Nils Lundkvist or Lian Bichsel in elevated roles. The hope is MRI results and practice sessions confirm readiness by series start.

Returning players bolster depth

Amid the star absences, good news flows elsewhere. Center Sam Steel is set to return against Buffalo after missing nine games with an undisclosed injury. His bottom-six steadiness provides lineup flexibility.[1]

Radek Faksa rejoined the lineup a game earlier after 24 games out with upper- and lower-body issues. Faksa’s faceoff wins and penalty-killing are playoff assets.

These returns help fill gaps:

• Steel: Adds center depth, potentially centering the third line.
• Faksa: Bolsters shutdown role against Wild’s top lines.
• Others like Granlund: Shift up if needed.

The Stars closed strong, blanking the Rangers to lock the No. 2 seed.[10] Healthier depth could prove crucial.

Previewing Stars vs. Wild first round

Dallas hosts Minnesota in a Central Division clash loaded with rivalry. The Wild, with 104 points, feature Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek’s grit.[11] Stars goalie Jake Oettinger holds the edge in net.

Key matchups include:

1. Stars’ power play vs. Wild PK—Dallas excelled regularly.
2. Kaprizov on Oettinger; Heiskanen (if ready) containing him.
3. Bottom-six battles where Steel/Faksa shine.

Past meetings were tight, like the April 9 thriller. Analysts predict a long series, with Dallas favored if stars return soon.[6]

For more on the series, check the ESPN injury update and NHL status report.[2]

What it means for Dallas’ playoff run

Injuries test contenders, but Dallas’ roster depth and coaching position them well. Hintz’s extended absence hurts scoring, yet Oettinger and a potential Heiskanen return keep them Cup threats.

The focus shifts to Game 1 execution. A strong start could build momentum, paving the way for full strength later. Stars fans should brace for a grind but stay optimistic—this team’s built for playoffs.