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The Dallas Stars will likely have to proceed without Tyler Seguin for the remainder of the current NHL season due to a torn ACL in his right knee, marking yet another significant injury setback for the already depleted team.
Coach Glen Gulutzan announced on Wednesday that Seguin would be sidelined for an extended period. The 33-year-old forward sustained the injury on Tuesday night during a game against the New York Rangers.
“It’s not exclusive to us; it affects the entire league, and it’s truly unfortunate,” Gulutzan commented. “The news has made today a difficult one for us. Now, other players will need to step up and take on larger roles.”
Seguin, who hails from Brampton, Ontario, became entangled with Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavirkov during the first period of the game. Seguin fell to the ice in evident pain, unable to skate, and required assistance from teammates and the team’s athletic trainer to leave the ice. He needed further support to navigate through the tunnel leading to the visitors’ dressing room at Madison Square Garden.
Following a more detailed examination of Seguin’s knee, Gulutzan indicated that the team did not receive encouraging news.
“We’re facing a growing number of injuries amidst a dense schedule of games, so we need to keep pushing forward,” Gulutzan stated. “This situation presents an opportunity for other players to rise to the occasion. We need to adopt the mindset that it’s the next player’s turn to step up and seize the opportunity. That’s what successful teams do; they continue to advance with the players they have available.”
Seguin was absent for most of the previous season following hip surgery. He made his return for the final game and participated in the Stars’ playoff journey to the Western Conference final. He has been a member of the Dallas team since being acquired in a trade with Boston in 2013.
“I wasn’t here with him last year, but I have spoken with our leadership group about it. From what I understand, he worked incredibly hard and dedicated a great deal of effort to his recovery last year. He’s an excellent leader for us, a true professional, and I’ve been particularly impressed by his leadership qualities since I arrived,” Gulutzan remarked.
Nathan Bastian was expected to fill Seguin’s position in the lineup for Tuesday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils. Looking ahead, the team is hoping that center Matt Duchene can help alleviate the void once he recovers from his injury.
Gulutzan suggested that Duchene’s return could happen “sooner rather than later” if his current progress continues.
“Other players will need to elevate their performance,” Gulutzan emphasized. “If ‘Duchy’ returns, he will need to assume some of that responsibility. [Mavrik Bourque] will receive more opportunities. There will be increased opportunities for several players, and we will see who capitalizes on them. We are not limiting anyone; we are simply observing who steps up and takes charge.”
