Stars’ Roope Hintz suffered fractured foot on a slash by Oilers’ Nurse.
Roope Hintz, one of the Dallas Stars’ most dynamic two-way centers, suffered a fractured foot during the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers, an injury that has now been attributed to a slash delivered by Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. The incident, initially downplayed during the series, gained significant attention after the conclusion of the matchup as Stars head coach Pete DeBoer revealed the true extent of Hintz’s injury. The fracture severely limited his ability to contribute during the critical moments of the series and now casts a different light on the Stars’ struggles as they were eliminated by a surging Edmonton team that capitalized on every possible weakness.
Hintz was already dealing with lingering issues earlier in the playoffs, having missed multiple games in the second round against the Colorado Avalanche. He returned to face the Oilers and participated in several games during the Western Conference Final, but his impact was noticeably diminished. Observers noted his limited stride, his avoidance of high-speed rushes, and his reduced presence on special teams. While much of this was initially chalked up to simple fatigue or rust from previous injuries, it became clear afterward that a fractured foot was to blame, a result of a forceful slash from Nurse during the early part of the series.
The play in question didn’t initially draw a penalty, and in real-time, it appeared to be a routine battle for space. Nurse, known for his physical edge and willingness to engage in the gritty areas of the ice, delivered the slash during a net-front scrum that seemed like a typical part of playoff hockey. But replays show that the force of the stick struck squarely across Hintz’s foot, and it wasn’t long after that he was seen hobbling off the ice, grimacing as he made his way down the tunnel. Hintz did return to the bench and continued to play for a short time, but it was evident to those closely following the game that something had changed. His explosive speed—one of his defining attributes—had vanished.
Over the next few games, the impact of his injury became more pronounced. Hintz’s usual defensive coverage in the neutral zone was lacking, his ability to take on top-line assignments was curtailed, and his offensive zone puck pursuits were half-hearted compared to his usual relentless style. While he tried to mask the injury with effort and commitment, the physical toll of skating on a fractured foot inevitably limited his effectiveness. The Stars attempted to manage his minutes and rotate responsibilities among other forwards, but losing a player of Hintz’s caliber—even partially—significantly disrupted the team’s depth and rhythm.
Pete DeBoer, in his post-elimination media availability, didn’t mince words about the impact Hintz’s injury had on the team’s performance. He emphasized that Hintz was one of the team’s most important players, not only for his scoring ability but also for his defensive reliability and faceoff proficiency. DeBoer praised Hintz’s commitment to playing through the pain, describing him as a warrior who did everything he could to support his teammates despite the physical limitations. The coach’s comments painted a stark picture of a team forced to press forward without one of its core weapons fully operational at a time when margins were razor-thin.
For the Oilers, the series was defined by aggressive forechecking, lethal power play execution, and timely scoring from their elite forwards. The injury to Hintz played right into their strategy. With Hintz unable to neutralize the McDavid or Draisaitl lines with his usual tenacity, Edmonton’s top stars found more space to operate. The ripple effect from Hintz’s absence in shutdown scenarios meant that other Stars players, like Tyler Seguin and Wyatt Johnston, had to absorb more responsibility. While they performed admirably, the imbalance eventually wore Dallas down. It’s worth noting that playoff series often turn on such fine margins, and injuries—especially hidden ones—can tip the scales in ways that may not be immediately obvious.
Fans of the Stars reacted with a mixture of frustration and empathy upon learning the full details of Hintz’s injury. Some questioned the lack of a penalty on Nurse’s slash, while others focused on the broader challenge of playoff officiating, where many infractions are overlooked under the guise of letting the players decide the game. The NHL has long faced scrutiny for its inconsistent enforcement of slashing, particularly around the feet and hands, where the risk of serious injury is high. Hintz’s situation is a stark reminder that a seemingly minor incident can have season-altering consequences. That such a vital player was compromised during the most important stretch of the year raises questions not only about officiating but also about the league’s responsibility to protect its stars.
Beyond the immediate disappointment of playoff elimination, the Stars now face an offseason filled with uncertainty surrounding Hintz’s recovery timeline. A fractured foot can vary in severity and healing time depending on the location and nature of the break. In most cases, players require six to eight weeks before resuming skating, with full recovery often taking several months. For Hintz, who relies heavily on speed and agility, returning to peak form will require a carefully managed rehabilitation process. The team’s medical staff will undoubtedly be cautious, given the potential for long-term complications if the injury is rushed.
The Stars’ management also faces questions about depth and durability. While the team boasts a promising young core—featuring the likes of Johnston, Miro Heiskanen, and Jason Robertson—the thin margin exposed by Hintz’s absence suggests that reinforcements may be necessary. Building a roster capable of withstanding the physical rigors of playoff hockey remains a perpetual challenge. The front office must now weigh the benefits of adding more physical depth or additional two-way forwards who can step in when injuries strike key contributors.
On the flip side, the incident may serve as motivation for Hintz and his teammates. The pain of elimination is always difficult to process, but when paired with the frustration of an injury that was arguably preventable or at least punishable, it often fuels an offseason of determination. Hintz has long been recognized as a quiet leader on the team, someone whose work ethic and commitment set the tone for others. If history is any indication, he’ll return hungrier than ever, driven by the memory of watching his team struggle while he was forced to play at a fraction of his true capability.
For Darnell Nurse and the Oilers, the incident will undoubtedly be viewed differently. In Edmonton, Nurse is celebrated for his physical edge, and his ability to set the tone physically is a valued part of the Oilers’ identity. Few, if any, players or fans on that side of the rivalry would view the slash as anything out of the ordinary. It’s part of playoff hockey, many would argue—a game within the game, where pushing the boundaries of legality is often necessary to gain an edge. Still, it raises the broader conversation about how much physicality should be allowed before it crosses into recklessness, especially when it leads to significant injuries.
In retrospect, Hintz’s limited minutes and declining influence throughout the series were a major blow to the Stars’ ability to counter Edmonton’s attack. His usual chemistry with Robertson and Joe Pavelski was disrupted, and the lines had to be shuffled to account for his lack of explosiveness. The result was a team constantly adjusting, constantly compensating, and eventually unable to match the Oilers’ consistency and firepower. While it would be unfair to say that Hintz’s injury was the sole reason for Dallas’ exit, it was undoubtedly a contributing factor—one that, had it been avoided, might have extended the series or even changed its outcome.
As the offseason progresses, the narrative around the 2025 playoffs will likely include many such “what-ifs,” but the story of Roope Hintz’s fractured foot stands out as one of the most impactful and sobering. It’s a reminder of the physical sacrifices made by players during the most demanding time of the year and the thin line between victory and defeat. For Dallas, it’s a reason to regroup, retool, and ensure that when next year’s postseason arrives, they’ll be better equipped to weather both the physical and strategic battles that define playoff hockey.
Hintz’s injury, and the circumstances surrounding it, will also fuel ongoing debates within the hockey world about how injuries are handled, how they are reported, and how leagues can do more to protect their players without stripping the game of its intensity. As fans and analysts dissect the Stars’ playoff run, Hintz’s name will be central—not just because of the role he was supposed to play, but because of the unfortunate reality that he never had the chance to fully play it.
