The Dallas Stars have placed forward Radek Faksa on injured reserve retroactive to February 17 after he sustained an upper-body injury during the Olympic games. Faksa, who did not play in the last two matches for Czechia at the Olympics, will now miss at least seven days with the team.
Injury Update and Impact on Upcoming Games
Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan confirmed on Tuesday that Faksa would undergo further tests, but initially regarded him as probable for Wednesday’s game against Seattle. However, the move to injured reserve means Faksa’s earliest possible return could be for the Stars’ Saturday matchup against Nashville. Faksa, a free agent signing this past summer, has contributed two goals and 15 assists over 56 games this season.
Additional Player Availability Concerns
Faksa is among three Dallas players dealing with health issues following the Olympic break. Gulutzan also announced that Finnish forward Mikko Rantanen will be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a lower-body injury. Fellow Finn Roope Hintz is listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game against Seattle because of illness. If Faksa, Rantanen, and Hintz remain unavailable, the Stars may either recall a forward from the Texas Stars or play with only 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
Looking Ahead: Challenges for the Dallas Stars
This trio’s absence poses a challenge to the Stars as they try to maintain momentum in the NHL season following the Olympic pause. With Faksa’s status now confirmed on injured reserve, the team will need to adjust lineups and strategies over the coming days. The impact on forward depth could influence upcoming games, including the critical matchups against Seattle and Nashville.
“He is one of three players to return from the Olympics unhealthy.” ?Glen Gulutzan, Dallas Stars Coach
