Stars’ Roope Hintz dealt yet another disappointing injury update

Roope Hintz last played for the Dallas Stars on March 6 against the Colorado Avalanche, when he picked up a lower-body injury that has to date led to more than 20 missed games. In his absence, the Stars have established a 2-1 lead over the Minnesota Wild in their Western Conference first-round series.

Hintz, who is confirmed to be out for Game 4, also remains highly doubtful for Game 5, according to Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan, per a post on X by Dan Rosen.

“He’s skating on his own… your next step before we see where he’s at is probably to skate with us. We’ll see when he’s ready to do that. I would highly doubt he’ll be ready for Game 5. He’s still a ways away. He’s skating now so we’re hoping that process goes quickly,” Gulutzan said.

Hintz has resumed skating, marking a key step forward in his rehabilitation process, but only on an individual basis. While he has made consistent progress in his rehabilitation, certain steps still remain. Hintz has not yet returned to full team activities, which remains the next step in the process.

A setback during his recovery delayed his return timeline. Although Hintz had previously begun skating prior to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, his most recent on-ice work represents a restart of the process rather than a continuation.

Hintz’s absence removes a primary driver of Dallas’ top line. He recorded 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 53 regular-season games. His career production stands at 421 points (190 goals, 231 assists) in 521 regular-season games, along with 69 points in 95 playoff contests.

Dallas has managed to stay competitive without him, taking a 2-1 series lead following a 4-3 double-overtime win in Game 3, but lineup adjustments have been necessary. Regardless, the Stars can be forgiven for being extremely cautious and will want the star forward to return only when fully fit.