The Dallas Stars are managing a growing list of injuries as the regular season winds down, with several key players sidelined entering the final three games.
Good for the Stars, they have already clinched the playoffs and know the Minnesota Wild will be their first-round opponent.
Stars defenceman Miro Heiskanen’s health is the main storyline heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs after he left Thursday’s game against the Wild following a hit into the boards.
The 26-year-old defenseman has scored nine goals and 63 points in 77 games this season.
Dallas head coach Glen Gulutzan couldn’t offer a detailed update on Thursday, simply saying then that the team will need more time before determining the severity of Heiskanen’s injury.
Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) skates in warm-ups prior to a Stanley Cup Playoffs game at T-Mobile Arena.Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Stars general manager Jim Nill also addressed the situation before Heiskanen underwent imaging.
“We’ll get a better read here,” Nill said. “We’re kind of just going week by week with him and seeing where he’s at.”
After more than 24 hours and the aforementioned MRI, Gulutzan appeared on 96.7 The Ticket on Friday and ruled Heiskanen out for the remainder of the regular season.
Gulutzan said the team expects the defenseman to miss the final three games, although the coach acknowledged he hopes for Heiskanen to be available for the first round of the playoffs.
The injury leaves Dallas without its top blueliner down the stretch, but with its playoff seed locked and the first-round matchup already set, the Stars are simply playing it safe and being precautionary.
Forward Roope Hintz will also miss the remainder of the regular season, per Nill, who said the team is unsure whether Hintz will be available for Game 1, labeling him “week-to-week.”
The Stars host the New York Rangers on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.