Rantanen sidelined, Hintz out with an illness, but Faksa probable and Bichsel healthy. Stars navigate Olympic break fallout with crucial lineup shifts.
The Dallas Stars were back on the ice Tuesday following the Olympic break, but the return to practice came with a mix of encouraging and concerning injury news.
Most notably, the team announced that superstar forward Mikko Rantanen will be sidelined for at least two weeks with a lower-body injury. The absence is a significant blow for Dallas as the club gears up for the stretch run.
Rantanen had just returned from the Olympics, where he captured a bronze medal alongside Stars teammates Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen, and Esa Lindell. The quartet represented Finland on the international stage and played key roles in the team’s podium finish.
Hintz, however, may not be available immediately as the NHL schedule resumes. Head coach Glen Gulutzan indicated that Hintz is dealing with an illness and is not expected to suit up Wednesday. The team is more optimistic about his chances to return Saturday when Dallas faces the Nashville Predators.
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There was positive news on the injury front as well. Depth forward Radek Faksa is listed as probable for Wednesday’s matchup. Faksa missed time during the Olympics while representing Czechia and was sidelined toward the end of the tournament, making his potential return a welcome development for the Stars’ bottom six.
Another encouraging update came regarding defense prospect Lian Bichsel, who has been on long-term injured reserve for an extended period, is reportedly healthy. While he has not yet been officially activated, the team indicated that move is expected in the near future.
Meanwhile, defenseman Thomas Harley is back with the club after earning a silver medal at the Olympics. Although Harley did not participate in Tuesday’s practice, he is considered healthy and remains a possibility to play Wednesday when Dallas hosts the Seattle Kraken.
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