NHL News: The stars coach, Pete I owe, reveals that Mikko Rantanen’s teammate could miss the first round of the playoffs

Uncertainty is coming over the Dallas stars While preparing for the Stanley Cup playoffs, with the possibility that I looked at Heiskanen—Teammate of the newly acquired star Mikko Rantanen“I could lose the first round.” Heiskanen, who underwent knee surgery on February 4, might not be ready for the beginning of the postseason, according to the chief coach Pete I must.

This news is a significant blow to the stars, which have been based largely on the defensive and offensive contributions of Heiskanen elite. The 23 -year -old defense injured his left knee in a collision with Las Vegas Golden Knights forward Calm stone in January 28 and has been marginalized since then. His surgery came with an estimated recovery time of 3-4 monthsraising concerns that I cannot return to the second round of the playoffs, if the stars advance so far.

When asked about the potential absence of Heiskanen in the first round, I must recognized the possibility. “That is a realistic possibility” I must say, according to Nhl.com.

“We are going to get Colorado, Winnipeg, someone really good in the first round (of the playoffs); that is a fact. On paper, we will have alignments similar to whoever we are playing. So, that chemistry, that identity of the team, all those things that you are trying to establish in the section will be the things that hopefully separate you from who you are playing at that time of the year because there will not be much separation of skills on paper. “ I must add.

Miro Heiskanen #4 of Dallas Stars Patina with the album during the first period against the Flyadelphia Flyers in the Wells Fargo Center on January 9, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Despite Heiskanen’s absence, the stars have maintained a solid record of 11-4-2although they have suffered key losses against playoff contestants such as the Colorado avalanche and Winnipeg Jets.

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Strategic movements in the commercial market

To compensate for injuries to key players like Heiskanen and Tyler SeguinThe stars have made strategic acquisitions. In February 1They changed for defense Cody Ceci And forward Mikael Granlund from San José Sharks. Then, in March 7They secured the front star Mikko Rantanen from Carolina hurricanessigning it up to eight years, $ 96 million contract The same day. These movements demonstrate the commitment of the stars to reinforce their list for a deep playoff career.

What follows for the stars?

The stars will play their last regular season game in April 16 against him Nashville predators. The uncertainty surrounding Heiskanen’s availability adds intrigue to the final stretch of the season and the stars playoff preparations.