Hagel Returns from Injury for Lightning Against Bruins

Kadri unlikely for Avalanche; Heiskanen being evaluated by Stars

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in vibrant colors representing a hockey game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes that deconstruct the action on the ice.A cubist interpretation of the NHL's latest injury news captures the fragmented nature of the playoff race.Today in Pittsburgh

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel returned from a lower-body injury against the Boston Bruins on Saturday. Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri is unlikely to play against the Vegas Golden Knights due to a finger injury, while Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen sustained a lower-body injury and is undergoing an MRI.

Why it matters

Hagel's return is a boost for the Lightning as they push for the playoffs, while the Avalanche and Stars are dealing with key injuries to important players as the postseason approaches.

The details

Hagel ranks third for Tampa Bay with 73 points (35 goals, 38 assists) and is plus-33 in 69 games. The Lightning are also without defenseman Darren Raddysh and forward Zemgus Girgensons, who are both day-to-day with undisclosed injuries. Kadri, who was acquired by the Avalanche in a trade on March 6, has nine points (four goals, five assists) in 16 games with Colorado. Heiskanen has 63 points (nine goals, 54 assists) and is averaging 25:28 of ice time in 77 games this season for the Stars.

  • Hagel had been out since March 31, when he played 22:21 in a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
  • Kadri did not play in a 3-1 win against the Calgary Flames on Thursday because of the finger injury he sustained during a 3-1 win at the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.
  • Heiskanen sustained the lower-body injury during the first period of a 5-4 win against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.

The players

Brandon Hagel

A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who ranks third on the team with 73 points (35 goals, 38 assists) and is plus-33 in 69 games.

Nazem Kadri

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who was acquired in a trade on March 6 and has nine points (four goals, five assists) in 16 games with the team.

Miro Heiskanen

A defenseman for the Dallas Stars who has 63 points (nine goals, 54 assists) and is averaging 25:28 of ice time in 77 games this season.

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What they’re saying

“He's going to miss some games here, and then hopefully we'll get him in before playoffs, like playing maybe next week.”

— Jared Bednar, Avalanche coach

“We'll get a better read here. We're kind of just going week by week with him and seeing where he's at.”

— Jim Nill, Stars general manager

What’s next

The Stars will play the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the playoffs, with home-ice advantage still to be determined. Hintz's availability for Game 1 of the postseason is "still not definite," according to Nill.

The takeaway

As the NHL regular season winds down, key injuries to top players like Hagel, Kadri, and Heiskanen could have a significant impact on their teams' playoff hopes and performance.