The Dallas Stars have announced significant updates regarding their injured players as they navigate a challenging season. Forward Mason Marchment has been placed on injured reserve (IR), retroactive to December 31, after suffering a serious facial injury during a game against the Minnesota Wild on December 27. Marchment underwent surgery for his injury, and his absence adds to the defensive concerns already faced by the Stars.

Joining Marchment on IR is defenseman Nils Lundkvist, who recently had season-ending shoulder surgery. Lundkvist's last game was on January 21 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Both he and veteran forward Tyler Seguin, who has been sidelined since December due to hip surgeries, further deplete the Stars' lineup as they try to keep pace in a competitive NHL landscape.

In response to these injuries, the Stars have made several roster moves, recalling Kyle McDonald and Christian Kyrou from the Texas Stars while loaning Kyle Capobianco to the AHL affiliate. These adjustments aim to bolster the team as they look to maintain their playoff push amidst these setbacks.

The Dallas Stars announced that defenseman Miro Heiskanen has been placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury, joining teammates Tyler Seguin and Nils Lundkvist. This designation means Heiskanen will miss a minimum of seven days, which opens up a roster space for the team. The Stars are currently unable to utilize his substantial $8.45 million cap hit until he qualifies for long-term IR, requiring a longer absence of at least 10 games and 24 days.

Coach Pete DeBoer indicated that Heiskanen is week-to-week, with an MRI possibly necessitating surgery. The injury occurred during a game against the Las Vegas Golden Knights, where Heiskanen's knee bent awkwardly after a collision with Mark Stone. Despite the injury, Dallas secured a 4-3 overtime victory, yet the cost of losing Heiskanen for an extended period presents a significant challenge for the squad.

Jason Robertson's relief was palpable as he scored the decisive goal early in the third period, marking a pivotal moment in the Dallas Stars' 4-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. This goal was particularly significant for Robertson, who has struggled this season with just nine goals in 36 games. His reaction encapsulated the ongoing frustration felt by the Stars, who have found scoring a challenge throughout the season.

Despite dominating possession and outshooting the Sabres 33-21, the Stars found themselves in a tightly contested match. Wyatt Johnston's late goal was crucial in securing the win against a struggling Sabres team. Both Johnston and Robertson, who were expected to lead the team in scoring, have recently begun to find their rhythm, with Robertson netting goals in consecutive games and Johnston scoring in three straight.

The Stars initially controlled the game but faced difficulties in finding the back of the net during the first half. Roope Hintz broke the deadlock in the second period, but the lead was short-lived as Jason Zucker quickly equalized for Buffalo. Robertson's unassisted goal restored Dallas' advantage, but the Sabres responded again, tying the game through Beck Malenstyn. Ultimately, Johnston's game-winning goal and an empty-netter from Esa Lindell sealed the victory for Dallas, emphasizing the need for their top players to step up.

Coach Pete DeBoer acknowledged the necessity for the Stars to score more than two goals per game to secure wins, a trend that was evident in their latest performance. The team continues its home stand with a matchup against Ottawa, hoping to build on this much-needed victory.

The Dallas Stars have been fined $100,000 by the NHL for violating the collective bargaining agreement by holding an optional practice session during the mandatory Christmas break. This session, which took place the day after Christmas, was attended by several young players, a move that contravenes league rules prohibiting any on-ice activity or travel on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the 26th.

Head coach Pete DeBoer confirmed before a recent game that he was at the team's practice facility on December 27, the day after the break. He described the session as optional, noting that young players typically attend such sessions, emphasizing their eagerness to participate. However, DeBoer later admitted that he might have erred in allowing ice time during the holiday period, referring to it as “voluntary ice” rather than a formal practice.

In recent years, the NHL has imposed fines on other teams for similar infractions related to travel and practice schedules outside of permitted times. The fine imposed on the Stars will be directed to the NHL Foundation.

The Dallas Stars have been penalized with a $100,000 fine by the NHL due to an unauthorized practice session held during the mandatory Christmas break. The session took place on December 26, a day when on-ice activities are strictly prohibited according to the collective bargaining agreement.

Stars head coach Pete DeBoer revealed that he was present at the practice facility the day after Christmas and allowed young players to participate in what he termed 'optional' practice. He noted that the younger players typically attend these voluntary sessions, highlighting their eagerness to improve. However, DeBoer later admitted that he might have erred in scheduling ice time during this restricted period.

Among the young players who attended the practice were Mavrik Bourque, Logan Stankoven, Wyatt Johnston, Lian Bichsel, Nils Lundkvist, and Thomas Harley. The fine imposed on the Stars will be directed to the NHL Foundation, as is customary in such violations.