Stars coach expects full lineup for playoffs

Gulutzan says injured players could return by season's end

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan expressed optimism that the team could have its full lineup available by the final game of the regular season, including the return of injured players like Roope Hintz, Radek Faksa, and Sam Steel. Gulutzan said he is "close to 100%" confident that Hintz will be back in time for the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs in two weeks.

Why it matters

The Stars have been dealing with several key injuries throughout the season, so having a fully healthy roster for the playoffs would be a major boost as they look to make a deep postseason run. Getting players like Hintz, Faksa, and Steel back could provide a significant lift to the team's offense and depth.

The details

Hintz has been out since exiting the March 6 game against Colorado, while Faksa suffered an upper-body injury during the Winter Olympics in February. Steel sustained an injury on March 26 against the New York Islanders. Defenseman Tyler Myers was still out for Saturday's game against the Avalanche, but Gulutzan said he should be good to go after the weekend.

  • Hintz has been out since exiting the March 6 game against Colorado.
  • Faksa suffered an upper-body injury on Feb. 17 during Czechia's pool play at the Winter Olympics.
  • Steel sustained an injury on March 26 when the Stars faced the New York Islanders.
  • Gulutzan expects the full lineup to be available by the final game of the regular season.

The players

Glen Gulutzan

The head coach of the Dallas Stars.

Roope Hintz

A center for the Dallas Stars who has been out with an injury since early March.

Radek Faksa

A center for the Dallas Stars who suffered an upper-body injury while playing for Czechia at the Winter Olympics.

Sam Steel

A center for the Dallas Stars who sustained an injury in late March against the New York Islanders.

Tyler Myers

A defenseman for the Dallas Stars who was still out for Saturday's game against the Avalanche.

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What they’re saying

“I would say it's close to 100 [percent]”

— Glen Gulutzan, Dallas Stars head coach

“I think by the last game of the season, for sure, we could have a complete lineup. I don't think much more before that. But we could have a complete lineup there. That's if everything goes well, and that includes Radek [Faksa], that includes Roope and [Sam Steel.]”

— Glen Gulutzan, Dallas Stars head coach

What’s next

The Stars' final regular season game is scheduled for April 13, 2026. If the injured players continue to progress as expected, they could all be available to play in that game, giving the team a full roster heading into the Stanley Cup playoffs which begin on April 18-19.

The takeaway

The potential return of key injured players like Hintz, Faksa, and Steel could be a major boost for the Stars as they prepare for the playoffs. Having a fully healthy lineup would give the team the best chance to make a deep postseason run and compete for the Stanley Cup.