Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin is expected to miss the remainder of the NHL season following a torn ACL in his right knee. Seguin sustained the injury during a game against the New York Rangers on March 12, 2024, after a collision with defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. Coach Glen Gulutzan confirmed the severity of the injury, stating that it will require a significant recovery period.
The incident occurred in the first period when Seguin became entangled with Gavrikov, leading to an immediate reaction from teammates and medical staff. Unable to skate, Seguin received assistance from multiple players and an athletic trainer to exit the ice and reach the locker room at Madison Square Garden.
“It’s a tough day for us with this news,” Gulutzan remarked. “It’s not just us, it’s the league, and it’s very unfortunate. Other guys now have to step in and play.” The team is already facing challenges with several players sidelined due to injury.
Following the injury, initial evaluations did not yield positive news for Seguin’s knee. “There’s lots of injuries piling up, so we just have to keep moving forward,” Gulutzan added. “Some of this misfortune creates opportunities for others. It’s the next guy up, and that’s what good teams do.”
This season marks a difficult time for Seguin, who missed a significant portion of the previous season due to hip surgery. He returned for the end of the season and contributed to the Stars’ playoff run to the Western Conference final. Seguin has been with the Stars since he was traded from the Boston Bruins in 2013.
Gulutzan expressed his admiration for Seguin, stating, “He’s a great leader for us. I’ve been most impressed with his leadership ability since I arrived here.” The team is now looking to players like Nathan Bastian to fill Seguin’s spot in the lineup, starting with their upcoming game against the New Jersey Devils.
Long term, the Stars hope that center Matt Duchene will soon return from his own injury to help alleviate the team’s challenges. According to Gulutzan, Duchene’s recovery is progressing, potentially allowing him to rejoin the lineup in the near future.
Gulutzan emphasized the need for other players to step up in Seguin’s absence. “If Duchy comes back, he’s going to have to take some of that. Other players will get more opportunities, and we will see who grabs it. We’re not pigeonholing anybody; we’re seeing who can take advantage of the situation.”
As the Stars navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key players, the focus will be on resilience and teamwork to overcome the challenges ahead.
