Dallas Stars facing major shakeup with Hintz out and playoff push at risk
Photo credit: Apr 13, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Dallas Stars players celebrate the win against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the end of the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Roope Hintz and Glen Gulutzan are driving major Dallas Stars lineup changes as injuries force decisions just before a key game stretch.
Hintz won't be ready yet. That setback changes everything down the middle for a team gearing up for the playoffs.
He's been a core piece with 44 points in 53 games, and more importantly, a driver on controlled entries and the power play.
Without him, the Stars lose speed through the neutral zone. That's not easy to replace internally.
Gulutzan responded quickly. Sam Steel and Adam Erne are both back in the lineup, giving the bottom six a different look.
It's not just depth. Steel has 33 points in 72 games, which gives Dallas some secondary support right away.
On defense, the changes are just as direct. Nils Lundkvist and Lian Bichsel return, adding mobility and size on the blue line.
Stars forced into major lineup shakeup as Hintz injury changes everything
Miro Heiskanen is progressing and remains the player everyone is watching inside that room.
The plan is clear. Dallas wants him ready for Game 1, not before, and that's shaping every decision right now.
Heiskanen has 63 points in 77 games, and his impact goes far beyond production. He controls the pace from the back end.
Without him, breakouts are less clean. The Stars rely more on indirect plays and chips off the glass.
That's why Thomas Harley's role has grown. He's handling more puck touches and tougher minutes in transition.
Esa Lindell stays the safety valve. His +30 rating shows how steady he's been in heavier defensive usage.
Gulutzan also made firm calls up front. Colin Blackwell and Arttu Hyry are out as healthy scratches.
Kyle Capobianco and Alexander Petrovic sit as well. That's a full reset of the supporting cast around the core.
This isn't random rotation. It's targeted. Dallas is testing combinations that can survive without key drivers.
Jake Oettinger gets the net again. He holds a 34-12-6 record with a .900 save percentage.
That stability matters. Because right now, Dallas isn't chasing offense. They're protecting structure.
The team sits at 49-20-12 with 110 points. That cushion allows Gulutzan to think bigger than just the next game.
Still, the margin is tightening. Dallas scores 3.33 goals per game, but that number depends on clean puck movement.
The power play runs at 28.6%, one of the league's best. But without Hintz and Heiskanen at full capacity, entries get tougher.
Jason Robertson remains the offensive anchor with 96 points in 81 games. He's producing no matter who lines up beside him.
But the identity is shifting. This is becoming a grind-it-out group until reinforcements arrive.
That's where coaching matters most. Gulutzan isn't waiting for perfect health. He's building a version of this team that can handle adversity.
Because once the playoffs start, there are no easy fixes. Only the habits you've already built.
And right now, the Stars are being forced to build them the hard way.
Also read on Blade of steel :
Canadiens–Lightning series opens with unexpected twist tied to Tampa Bay arena
Canadiens–Lightning series opens with unexpected twist tied to Tampa Bay arena