Stars' Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz likely out until playoffs

Dallas Stars prepare for first-round matchup against Minnesota Wild without two key players

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:38pm

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With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Dallas Stars have provided injury updates on two of their top players - defenseman Miro Heiskanen and forward Roope Hintz. Both players are unlikely to return before the playoffs, as the Stars focus on getting healthy for their first-round matchup against the Minnesota Wild.

Why it matters

The Stars are locked into a first-round playoff series against the Wild, and the absence of Heiskanen and Hintz could significantly impact their chances of advancing. Heiskanen has been a workhorse on the blue line, while Hintz is fifth on the team in points this season.

The details

Heiskanen left the game against the Wild last Thursday with an injury and is hopeful to return for the start of the playoffs, but will not play in the final two regular-season games. Hintz has not played since March 6 and is also not a definite for Game 1 against the Wild. The Stars are 48-20-12 on the year, securing second place in the Central Division behind the Presidents' Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche.

  • Heiskanen left the game against the Minnesota Wild on April 7.
  • Hintz has not played since March 6.
  • The Stars' first-round playoff series against the Wild is scheduled to begin on April 18.

The players

Miro Heiskanen

A defenseman for the Dallas Stars who has led the team in ice time this season, playing 25:38 per game in 77 games. He has 9 goals and 54 assists so far this year.

Roope Hintz

A forward for the Dallas Stars who has played in 53 games this season, scoring 15 goals and adding 29 assists. He is fifth on the team in points.

Glen Gulutzan

The head coach of the Dallas Stars.

Jim Nill

The general manager of the Dallas Stars.

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What they’re saying

“We'll see how the next three to four days go. We've got a week here to see how he feels and see if he gets back on the ice. We're hopeful, but we know it's not the regular season for sure.”

— Glen Gulutzan, Head Coach, Dallas Stars

“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, General Manager, Dallas Stars

What’s next

The Stars will continue to monitor the progress of Heiskanen and Hintz over the next week, with the goal of having them available for the start of the playoffs against the Minnesota Wild on April 18.

The takeaway

The absence of Heiskanen and Hintz could be a significant blow to the Stars' playoff hopes, as they are two of the team's most important players. However, the Stars are focused on getting their stars healthy for the postseason, where they will look to make a deep run.