Roope Hintz lands at No. 17 among NHL centers entering 2025-26, posting 67 points (28 goals, 29 assists) in 76 games. His two-way game keeps him in fantasy conversations, with Selke Award votes piling up over the past four seasons. Dallas’ star forward contributed 12 playoff points in 17 games last spring, though an injury in the Western Conference finals stemmed from a controversial Nurse slash. Hintz anchors the Stars’ lineup as part of a celebrated Finnish contingent that once included Mikko Rantanen, Mikael Granlund, Esa Lindell and Miro Heiskanen, a group nicknamed the Finnish Mafia. Granlund’s free-agency departure leaves Hintz, Lindell and Heiskanen as core holdovers, while Rantanen and Robertson remain crucial wings on a roster that leaned on depth and elite skill. NHL Network’s write-up underscores Hintz’s rhythm heading into the season and the historic four-point playoff burst by Hintz and Rantanen in a pivotal Game 6, a reminder that Dallas can lift a high-end fantasy ceiling when the star power is healthy.

For fantasy managers, Hintz remains a safe bet for 65–75 points with strong peripherals and continued two-way value. The Stars’ Finnish quartet signals sustained upside around leadership and chemistry, even as Granlund’s exit reshapes the depth chart. Dallas’ top wings (Robertson, Rantanen) and defensemen (Heiskanen, Harley) figure prominently in projections, with Lindell and Harley poised to carry significant minutes on the back end. Monitor Hintz’s health after the playoff injury and the evolving lineup, but the core fantasy appeal remains intact: elite point pace paired with excellent defensive impact and playoff pedigree.

Three key players from the Dallas Stars have once again been selected to represent Team Finland at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. Defenders Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell, along with forward Mikko Rantanen, are notable inclusions on the preliminary roster announced by the Finnish Ice Hockey Association.

Miro Heiskanen's impressive international experience includes five games at the 2018 Winter Olympics and participation in the IIHF World Championships in both 2018 and 2022. Esa Lindell, recently honored as Finland's Male Player of the Year, has a solid background with three World Championship appearances, while Mikko Rantanen also boasts four World Championships under his belt.

In addition to these stars, there remains a possibility for more Dallas players, such as Roope Hintz and Mikael Granlund, to join the roster. Finland aims to defend the gold medal they secured in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, marking a significant moment as NHL players return to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014.

Esa Lindell has been recognized as the Male Player of the Year by the Finnish Ice Hockey Association, marking a significant achievement for the Dallas Stars defenseman. Lindell's performance last season was pivotal, contributing 26 points across 80 games and playing a crucial role in the Stars' deep playoff run.

Known for his strong defensive skills and contributions on special teams, Lindell was instrumental during the playoff series, even making a memorable game-saving play in overtime against the Avalanche. His commitment to the Stars and his roots in Finnish hockey culture underscores his importance both on and off the ice.

This year saw a historic first for the Stars, as Lindell was part of a lineup featuring five Finnish players—an achievement that highlights the growing influence of Finnish hockey in the NHL. His connection to Finnish hockey is further evidenced by his involvement with Jokerit, his hometown team, aiming to elevate its status in Finnish hockey.

The Dallas Stars made headlines as they took to the ice with an all-Finnish starting lineup in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. This marked a historic moment in NHL history, as it was the first time a team fielded five Finnish-born players to start a game since records began. Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz have been standout performers, with Rantanen leading the playoffs in points and tied for the most goals. Mikael Granlund also contributed significantly with a hat trick against the Jets. Meanwhile, Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell provided critical defensive support, showcasing the depth of the Stars’ Finnish Mafia.

Mikko Rantanen may be going through a scoring drought, with no goals in his last four games, but the Dallas Stars are finding scoring from elsewhere. Currently, they sit in a favorable position after winning three consecutive games, including a standout playoff performance against the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets. Coach Peter DeBoer expressed confidence in the team's offensive depth despite facing a tough Winnipeg defense.

In their latest Game 1 against Edmonton, Dallas demonstrated resilience by overcoming a two-goal deficit, marking a historic comeback for the franchise. The Stars showcased their power play prowess with three goals in quick succession, a stark contrast to their struggles last postseason. Matt Duchene and Esa Lindell both found the back of the net in this match, while Rantanen remains a scoring leader despite his recent assist-only streak.