Stars' Heiskanen, Hintz Questionable for Playoffs

Dallas Stars prepare for postseason with key players' status uncertain

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey game scene with overlapping planes of color representing the Dallas Stars and Buffalo Sabres teams, conveying the uncertainty and high stakes surrounding the Stars' playoff preparations.The uncertainty surrounding key Dallas Stars players' availability for the playoffs creates a fragmented, high-stakes atmosphere as the team prepares for the postseason.Dallas Today

The Dallas Stars are heading into the playoffs with uncertainty around the availability of two of their top players, defenseman Miro Heiskanen and forward Roope Hintz. Both players were previously ruled out for the remainder of the regular season, but a new update indicates they may be able to return for the start of the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Stars are one of the top teams in the Western Conference and have high hopes for a deep playoff run. Having Heiskanen and Hintz healthy and available would be a major boost to their chances, but their injuries have created concern about their status.

The details

Heiskanen, who had 63 points in 77 games this season, and Hintz, who had 44 points in 53 games, were both previously ruled out for the rest of the regular season. However, a new report indicates they are now considered questionable for the start of the playoffs. The Stars will close out the regular season on Wednesday against the Buffalo Sabres.

  • Heiskanen and Hintz were previously ruled out for the remainder of the regular season.
  • The Stars' final regular season game is on Wednesday, April 16, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET against the Buffalo Sabres.

The players

Miro Heiskanen

A 23-year-old defenseman for the Dallas Stars who had 63 points in 77 games this season.

Roope Hintz

A 24-year-old forward for the Dallas Stars who had 44 points in 53 games this season.

Jim Nill

The general manager of the Dallas Stars.

Glen Gulutzan

The head coach of the Dallas Stars.

Frank Seravalli

An NHL reporter.

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What they’re saying

“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

“I honestly don't know. But anytime there's an injury, especially to your top guys, it's concerning.”

— Glen Gulutzan, Head Coach, Dallas Stars

“(Frank) Seravalli said during the first intermission just now that Sam Steel is traveling with the team, and is a possibility to play on Wednesday in Buffalo.”

— Robert Tiffin, Reporter, D Magazine

What’s next

The Stars will close out the regular season on Wednesday, April 16, 2026 against the Buffalo Sabres. The team and fans will be closely monitoring the status of Heiskanen and Hintz leading up to the start of the playoffs.

The takeaway

The uncertainty around the availability of two of the Dallas Stars' top players, Miro Heiskanen and Roope Hintz, creates concern for the team's playoff hopes, but the fact that they are now considered questionable rather than ruled out is a more promising development as the postseason approaches.