Dallas Stars News

Bunting exited Sunday's 2-1 loss to Philadelphia in the first period after only 3:46 time-on-ice due to a lower-body injury. Already without Radek Faksa (upper body), Sam Steel (lower body), Nathan Bastian (undisclosed), and Roope Hintz (lower body), the Stars' forward group has taken some hits over recent weeks, with Bunting being the latest. That said, Stars' Head Coach Glen Gulutzan said following the game that Bunting still needs to be reevaluated, but the initial belief is that it will not be a long-term injury.

Rantanen did not play in Finland's Bronze Medal victory over Slovakia at the Olympics and has been sidelined since the NHL resumed action. Rantanen has missed the last 15 games, but could return to the lineup as soon as Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Before his injury, the 29-year-old was having an outstanding first full season with the Stars, scoring 69 points (20G / 49A) in 54 games.

Steel exited Thursday's 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders in the third period due to a lower-body injury. Stars' Head Coach Glen Gulutzan said that Steel felt better on Friday, but he is still being evaluated for what is likely a groin injury. The 28-year-old Steel has a career-high 33 points (12G / 21A) in 72 games this season.

Michael Bunting will be a healthy scratch on Thursday against the Dallas Stars, allowing Bastian to re-enter the lineup. The 28-year-old Bastian is averaging 8:47 time-on-ice and has seven points (6G / 1A) in 34 games this season.

The Stars acquired Bunting from the Nashville Predators before the trade deadline, but he has had some difficulty acclimating to his new team and will be a healthy scratch for the first time on Thursday. The 30-year-old Bunting is averaging 13:42 time-on-ice and has two points (1G / 1A) in nine games with Dallas. Nathan Bastian will draw into the lineup as Bunting's replacement.

Oettinger only lasted one period in the Stars' previous game, being relieved by Casey DeSmith after allowing four goals on eight shots (.500 SV%) in an eventual 6-4 loss to the New Jersey Devils. That said, before that poor performance, the 27-year-old Oettinger was on an excellent run, posting a dazzling 1.81 GAA and .930 SV% in eight games (6-0-2). The Stars enter Thursday's contest as -125 road favourites against the New York Islanders, who have lost three of their last four games (1-3-0).

Oettinger only lasted one period in the Stars' previous game, being relieved by Casey DeSmith after allowing four goals on eight shots (.500 SV%) in an eventual 6-4 loss to the New Jersey Devils. That said, before that poor performance, the 27-year-old Oettinger was on an excellent run, posting a dazzling 1.81 GAA and .930 SV% in eight games (6-0-2). The Stars enter Thursday's contest as -125 road favourites against the New York Islanders, who have lost three of their last four games (1-3-0).

Minnetian was a fourth-round pick of the Dallas Stars that just completed his third year of collegiate hockey. The 21-year-old defenseman scored 11 points (2G / 9A) in 36 games this season with Boston College.

Oettinger was excellent in his most recent outing, saving 26 of 28 shots (.929 SV%), but suffered a 2-1 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild. The 27-year-old Oettinger has had a largely disappointing 2025-26 season, but he has been excellent since returning from the Olympic break, posting an impressive 1.81 GAA and .930 SV% in eight games (6-0-2). The Stars enter Tuesday's contest as -162 home favourites against a New Jersey Devils team that is 3-1-0 in their last four games.

Tyler Myers will draw back into the Stars' lineup on Tuesday, resulting in Lyubushkin being a healthy scratch. Since the acquisition of Tyler Myers at the trade deadline, Lyubushkin has fallen out of favour in Dallas, playing in just one of their last eight games.