The Dallas Stars' playoff ambitions have been dealt a severe blow with the news that star centre Tyler Seguin will miss the remainder of the NHL season. The veteran forward sustained a significant knee injury, believed to be a torn ACL, during a game against the New York Rangers.
A Costly Overtime Loss
The injury occurred on Tuesday, December 3, 2025, during the Stars' 3-2 overtime defeat to the Rangers. Seguin managed only two shifts before exiting the game at the 1:44 mark of the first period. Medical evaluations later confirmed the worst fears: a major knee ligament injury that requires extensive rehabilitation.
Stars coach Glen Gulutzan addressed the media on Wednesday, confirming the grim prognosis. "We didn't get great news today," Gulutzan stated. "He's going to be out for a significant amount of time, probably the rest of the season. It's a tough day for us today with the news, but other guys now have to step in and play."
Analyst Pushes for Aggressive Trade Response
In the wake of this setback, prominent NHL analyst Nick Alberga has urged the Dallas front office to make a bold move to salvage their season. Alberga specifically recommended that the Stars pursue a blockbuster trade with the Calgary Flames to acquire two key players: experienced forward Nazem Kadri and top-pairing defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
This proposed deal would represent a massive financial commitment, as the combined contracts of Kadri and Andersson total $76.3 million. Kadri would bring crucial veteran leadership and a strong two-way game to the Stars' forward lines, while Andersson would solidify the blue line with his ability to log heavy minutes and contribute offensively.
Challenges and Seguin's Season in Review
Executing such a trade will be complex. Dallas would need to create substantial salary-cap space and likely part with valuable future assets like high draft picks or promising young talent. Furthermore, it is uncertain if the Flames would be willing to trade two cornerstone players simultaneously.
The injury is a cruel twist for Seguin, who was enjoying a resilient campaign. He had played in all 27 games this season, registering 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists). This followed a 2024-25 season where he was limited to just 20 games due to hip surgery. A notable highlight came on October 30, 2025, when Seguin celebrated the milestone of playing his 1,000th career NHL game.
Despite the loss of their star centre, the Dallas Stars remain in a strong position, currently sitting second in the Central Division. Their ability to maintain this standing may now hinge on how aggressively they navigate the trade market in the coming weeks.
