Dallas Stars Grapple with Key Injuries Ahead of Playoffs

Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, and Tyler Myers sidelined as team fights for postseason position

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a Dallas Stars hockey game, with the players and ice deconstructed into abstract shapes and planes of color.The Dallas Stars' injury woes expose the challenges of maintaining a championship-caliber roster in the NHL's grueling season.Dallas Today

The Dallas Stars have been one of the NHL's top teams this season, but recent injury updates to several key players like Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, and Tyler Myers have created challenges as the team pushes for the playoffs. The absences of these players could have significant implications for the Stars' postseason hopes, highlighting the importance of depth and injury management in the league.

Why it matters

The Stars' ability to overcome these injuries and maintain their position in the standings will be a crucial factor in their playoff push. Injuries to star players like Heiskanen and Hintz can disrupt a team's momentum, underscoring the need for strategic depth and effective injury management in the NHL.

The details

Defenseman Miro Heiskanen is undergoing imaging for a lower-body injury, while center Roope Hintz has also been sidelined with a lower-body issue. The Stars are also dealing with the re-aggravation of Tyler Myers' old injury, further weakening their defensive corps. However, the team has received some positive news, with center Radek Faksa and winger Michael Bunting expected to return before the end of the regular season.

  • Heiskanen missed 10 games in the 2025 postseason due to a similar injury.
  • Hintz's initial injury had the team hoping for a quick return, but he now faces the possibility of missing the remainder of the regular season and potentially the playoffs.
  • Myers was acquired before the trade deadline and has been a stabilizing force on the Stars' blue line, averaging over 16 minutes per night in 13 games.
  • Faksa and Bunting are expected to return to action before the season ends, with Bunting potentially playing as early as Saturday.

The players

Miro Heiskanen

A defenseman and the Stars' top blueliner, Heiskanen is undergoing imaging for a lower-body injury that could have significant implications for the team's playoff run.

Roope Hintz

The Stars' top-line center has been sidelined with a lower-body injury, and the team now faces the possibility of missing him for the remainder of the regular season and potentially the playoffs.

Tyler Myers

A veteran defenseman acquired by the Stars before the trade deadline, Myers has been a stabilizing force on the team's blue line but has re-aggravated an old injury.

Radek Faksa

A center for the Stars, Faksa is expected to return to action before the end of the regular season, providing the team with much-needed depth and experience.

Michael Bunting

A winger for the Stars, Bunting is also expected to return to action before the season ends, potentially as early as Saturday.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Stars will continue to monitor the progress of Heiskanen, Hintz, and Myers as they work to get healthy and return to the lineup. The team's ability to manage these injuries and maintain their position in the standings will be crucial as they push for a deep playoff run.

The takeaway

The Dallas Stars' injury situation highlights the importance of depth and effective injury management in the NHL. While the team has been one of the league's top performers, the absences of key players like Heiskanen, Hintz, and Myers could have significant implications for their playoff aspirations. The Stars' ability to navigate these challenges and maintain their position in the standings will be a testament to their strategic planning and the resilience of their players.