Stars Could See Key Injury Returns vs. Struggling Maple Leafs

Dallas looks to build momentum ahead of playoffs against last-place Toronto

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:50am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the players and action on the ice.A cubist interpretation of the on-ice action between the Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs, capturing the intensity and movement of the game.Dallas Today

The Dallas Stars, already playoff-bound, head to Toronto to take on the struggling Maple Leafs in the penultimate game of the regular season. The Stars could get back one or both of their injured forwards, Radek Faksa and Michael Bunting, for the matchup against the last-place Leafs, who have missed the playoffs after nine straight postseason appearances.

Why it matters

This game provides the Stars an opportunity to get key players back from injury and build momentum heading into the playoffs, while the Maple Leafs are simply playing out the string in a disappointing season that will see them miss the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.

The details

The Stars previously beat the Maple Leafs 5-1 in December, with Jamie Benn recording a goal and an assist. Mikko Rantanen has also been productive against Toronto, tallying seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in his last five games against the Leafs. The Stars loaned forward Cameron Hughes to their AHL affiliate on Sunday, signaling a potential return for either Faksa or Bunting, or possibly both, in Monday's matchup.

  • The Stars and Maple Leafs previously met on December 21, 2025.
  • Mikko Rantanen has a five-game point streak against the Maple Leafs.

The players

Mavrik Bourque

Dallas Stars center who scored an open net goal against the Maple Leafs in their previous meeting.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman who was on the ice for Bourque's goal in the previous Stars-Leafs game.

Radek Faksa

Dallas Stars forward who could return from injury for Monday's game against the Maple Leafs.

Michael Bunting

Dallas Stars forward who could also return from injury for the matchup with Toronto.

Cameron Hughes

Dallas Stars forward who was loaned to the team's AHL affiliate, potentially signaling the return of Faksa or Bunting.

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What’s next

The Stars will conclude their regular season on Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets, while the Maple Leafs will wrap up their campaign on Friday against the Montreal Canadiens.

The takeaway

This game provides the Stars an opportunity to get key injured players back in the lineup and build momentum heading into the playoffs, while the Maple Leafs are simply playing out the string in a disappointing season that will see them miss the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.