Matt Duchene’s Absence Leaves the Dallas Stars With More Than a Scoring Problem
Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene and Seattle Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson during a game at Climate Pledge Arena on March 31, 2025. Photo by Jenn G.
Written by Gina Anton
The Dallas Stars will be without Matt Duchene for approximately three months after the forward underwent surgery to repair a core injury, the team announced Monday. For a team already struggling to generate offense early in the season, his absence creates a challenge that extends beyond the lineup.
Duchene, 35, dealt with a lower-body injury throughout training camp before being placed on long-term injured reserve Oct. 1. After attempts to manage the issue proved unsuccessful, the Stars decided surgery was the best option rather than allowing the injury to persist.
“It was more of a chronic thing that they didn't want to kick down the road anymore,” head coach Glen Gulutzan said Monday.
The decision prioritizes Duchene’s long-term health, but it leaves Dallas without one of its most productive offensive players for a significant portion of the season.
Duchene recorded 45 points in 57 regular-season games last season, adding nine points in six playoff appearances. His absence comes at a difficult time for the Stars, who entered Monday averaging just 2.20 goals per game, ranking 27th in the NHL. Their power play has also struggled, converting only 7.7 percent of its opportunities.
Last season, Dallas averaged 3.33 goals per game and ranked second in the league on the power play. The difference highlights how much work the team has ahead of it to rediscover that offensive consistency.
Gulutzan acknowledged that replacing Duchene’s production will require a collective effort rather than a straightforward lineup adjustment.
“You take those guys out of your lineup, you lose offense,” Gulutzan said. “You can't just put anybody in there, right?”
The Stars have shown signs of progress defensively, allowing just one goal over their previous three games, according to Gulutzan. However, limiting opponents will only take them so far if they cannot generate enough scoring at the other end.
For Duchene, the focus now shifts to recovery and returning to the ice healthy. For Dallas, his absence presents an early test of its depth and ability to adapt when a key contributor is unavailable.
The Stars host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, beginning a stretch in which other forwards will need to take on greater offensive responsibility. How they respond could determine whether Dallas can stay competitive while one of its most experienced scoring threats works his way back.
