Stars' Duchene expected to miss three months following core surgery

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Stars' Matt Duchene expected to miss three months following core surgery

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Oct 12, 2026 2:15 PM ET

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene is slated to miss three months following core muscle surgery that he underwent on Monday.

According to general manager Jim Nill, he is expected to be sidelined through mid-January 2027.

The 35-year-old veteran attempted to work through the injury but faced a significant setback during the team's road trip to Minnesota that wrapped up the NHL preseason. He was placed on long-term injured reserve retroactive to Sept. 29.

The team has recalled forwards Colin Blackwell and Arttu Hyry, who will take over during Duchene's absence. The injury bug has continued to impact Duchene's playing time, as he only played in 57 regular-season games last season because of a vestibular concussion.

Matt Duchene underwent successful surgery to repair a core injury and is expected to miss approximately 3 months, Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill announced. https://t.co/sAYUj0Xmz5
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 12, 2026

How the Matt Duchene injury impacts the Stars

With Duchene out of the Stars lineup for a lengthy period of time, his absence will allow Sam Steel to contribute a larger role at center. Dallas will have to remain competitive in the Western Conference without one of its best offensive players.

The Stars have opened this season with a 2-2-1 record and will be facing a tough upcoming matchup against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.

Despite his limited action last season, he still recorded 45 points with 16 goals and 29 assists. He also racked up 82 points in the 2024-25 season, providing the Stars with reliable offense. With Duchene out, this means that the team's depth will be tested early on this season.

But on the bright side, his absence creates financial space, which gives the front office the chance to possibly pursue a trade-deadline acquisition later this season if they want to bulk up on offense.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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