Stars Lose Roope Hintz for Start of Playoffs

Dallas will be without its second-line center for at least the first two games against the Minnesota Wild.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:07pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey player in mid-motion, their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, green, and red, conveying the disruption caused by Hintz's injury.The Stars' playoff hopes take a hit with the loss of center Roope Hintz for at least the start of their first-round series.Dallas Today

The Dallas Stars will be without center Roope Hintz for the start of their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Wild. Head coach Glen Gulutzan confirmed that Hintz, who has been dealing with a lower-body injury, will not be available for Games 1 and 2 of the series. Gulutzan left open the possibility that Hintz could miss even more time, saying 'We don't know when he could come back, or if he could come back. We'll see.'

Why it matters

Hintz was a key part of the Stars' second line during the regular season, finishing with 44 points in 53 games. His absence will force Dallas to rely more heavily on veteran Matt Duchene to anchor the middle of the lineup against a tough Minnesota team in the opening round.

The details

Hintz has not played since the Olympic break and has not resumed skating, leaving his status beyond the first two games uncertain. The Stars will need to adjust their lineup and depth at center to compensate for Hintz's absence as they open the playoffs at home against the Wild.

  • The Stars will open their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Wild this weekend.
  • Hintz has not played since the Olympic break in mid-February.

The players

Roope Hintz

A 29-year-old center for the Dallas Stars who finished the regular season with 44 points in 53 games.

Glen Gulutzan

The head coach of the Dallas Stars.

Matt Duchene

A veteran center for the Dallas Stars who is expected to take on a larger role in Hintz's absence.

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What they’re saying

“Certainly, Roope won't be in Games 1 or 2. We don't know when he could come back, or if he could come back. We'll see.”

— Glen Gulutzan, Head Coach

What’s next

The Stars will need to determine if Hintz can return at any point during the first-round series against the Wild. His status beyond the first two games remains uncertain.

The takeaway

The loss of Roope Hintz is a significant blow to the Stars' lineup as they enter the playoffs. Dallas will need to rely on its depth at center, led by veteran Matt Duchene, to compensate for Hintz's absence and try to advance past the opening round.