The Dallas Stars were dealt a tough blow Tuesday night, and it’s one that could ripple through the rest of their season. Head coach Glen Gulutzan confirmed that veteran forward Tyler Seguin is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after suffering an ACL injury in the loss to the New York Rangers.
The injury occurred when Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov fell on Seguin during a collision, forcing the 33-year-old to be helped off the ice. It was a gut-wrenching scene for a player who’s battled through more than his fair share of injuries over the years.
Before going down, Seguin had quietly been putting together a solid campaign - 17 points in 27 games - playing a key role in the Stars’ top-six rotation. While his production may not have been at the elite levels of his earlier years, Seguin remained a steady presence, both on the scoresheet and in the locker room. And for a Dallas team with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations, losing that kind of veteran leadership and offensive depth stings.
This isn’t Seguin’s first time facing a long road back. He was limited to just 20 games last season following hip surgery and appeared in only three games during the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season. Injuries have tested him repeatedly, but he’s always found a way to return - and contribute.
Now in the seventh season of his eight-year deal carrying a $9.85 million cap hit, Seguin’s place in Stars history is already secure. He ranks fifth all-time in franchise goals (311) and points (705) across 813 games - numbers that speak to his consistency and impact since arriving in Dallas.
The organization is still holding out faint hope that Seguin could return for the postseason, but optimism is in short supply. And with the Stars sitting second in the NHL standings at 17-5-5 heading into Wednesday’s matchup with the New Jersey Devils, the focus now shifts to how the team adjusts without one of its key contributors.
Dallas has the depth to stay competitive, but replacing Seguin’s experience, versatility, and clutch scoring won’t be easy. The playoffs are still months away, but the Stars just lost a major piece of their puzzle - and how they respond could define their season.