- Jason Robertson out indefinitely with lower-body injury from Nashville collision
- Stars enter Colorado series missing 35-goal scorer and playmaker
- Team must rely on depth scoring against defending champs
The Dallas Stars' Stanley Cup aspirations suffered a massive setback Friday when coach Pete DeBoer confirmed star forward Jason Robertson will miss the start of their first-round playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche. The 24-year-old winger sustained a lower-body injury during Wednesday's regular-season finale against Nashville following a high-speed collision with Michael McCarron along the boards.
Medical staff evaluated Robertson's injury Thursday, with team sources indicating the California native likely suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain based on preliminary examinations. While not season-ending, the typical 2-4 week recovery timeline creates significant challenges for a Stars team that leaned heavily on Robertson's 80-point production this season.
This marks the third consecutive playoff appearance impacted by key injuries for Dallas. In 2022, the team overcame John Klingberg's mid-series absence to reach the conference finals. Last year, Tyler Seguin played through torn hip cartilage during their second-round exit. We've been tested before,said alternate captain Jamie Benn. RoJo's our engine, but this is why we built organizational depth.
Industry analysts suggest Robertson's absence could alter the series' financial dynamics. With $8.5M in LTIR relief available, Dallas might recall AHL scoring leader Logan Stankoven. The move would mirror Tampa Bay's successful 2020 strategy of leveraging injured reserve flexibility during Nikita Kucherov's absence.
Regional sports medicine experts point to the Cowboys' 2022 handling of Dak Prescott's thumb injury as a local case study in accelerated recovery timelines. The Carrell Clinic in Dallas, which treated Prescott, recently pioneered cryogenic compression therapy now used by Stars players.
DeBoer confirmed Friday that offensive duties will shift to Wyatt Johnston and Matt Duchene. Johnston, 20, has scored 7 goals in his last 12 games, while Duchene brings 57 games of playoff experience. You don't replace 35 goals overnight,Duchene told reporters. But we've got four lines that can contribute.
The injury reshapes betting odds, with Colorado moving from +120 to -140 series favorites. Dallas' championship odds dropped from 12/1 to 18/1 across major sportsbooks. Puck possession metrics suggest the Stars must improve their 49.3% faceoff win percentage to compensate for Robertson's absence on the power play.