Stars GM Nill Addresses Injuries Ahead of Playoffs

Dallas faces uphill battle against healthy Minnesota Wild in Round 1

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:28pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant green, blue, and red colors.The Stars' injury-plagued roster faces a daunting challenge against the healthy Minnesota Wild in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.Dallas Today

The Dallas Stars are far from healthy as they prepare to face the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. General manager Jim Nill acknowledged the team's extensive injury list, including key players like Roope Hintz and Miro Heiskanen, but said the Stars have shown resilience all season in the face of adversity.

Why it matters

The Stars' injury woes put them at a significant disadvantage against a healthy Minnesota team loaded with star power. However, Nill believes the team's young players have stepped up to help Dallas overcome these challenges throughout the regular season.

The details

The Stars will be without Hintz for Games 1 and 2, while Heiskanen's return date is unknown after suffering a lower-body injury. They are also missing Tyler Seguin, who underwent ACL surgery in December. Despite these setbacks, Nill praised the team's resilience, noting they've been battling injuries since training camp, including losing players like Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene, and Thomas Harley for extended periods.

  • The Stars' Round 1 series against the Wild is set to begin this weekend.
  • Hintz has been out since March 6, while Heiskanen's injury occurred last Thursday.

The players

Jim Nill

The general manager of the Dallas Stars, who discussed the team's injury situation ahead of the playoffs.

Roope Hintz

A key Stars forward who has been ruled out for the first two games of the series against the Wild.

Miro Heiskanen

A star defenseman for the Stars whose return date is unknown after suffering a lower-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“Part of the game. That's what impressed me this year about the team, the resiliency that we've had. From Day 1, we've been hurt.”

— Jim Nill, General Manager, Dallas Stars

What’s next

The Stars and Wild will begin their first-round playoff series this weekend at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The takeaway

Despite their extensive injury list, the Stars have shown remarkable resilience throughout the regular season. However, their health issues put them at a significant disadvantage against a fully healthy Minnesota team in the playoffs. The Stars' young players will need to continue stepping up if the team hopes to overcome the odds and make another deep postseason run.