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Why Roope Hintz will be the Dallas Stars MVP in 2021-22

By Sam Nestler

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 29: Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars celebrates after scoring a goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on December 29, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Stars defeated the Coyotes 4-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 29: Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars celebrates after scoring a goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on December 29, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Stars defeated the Coyotes 4-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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What can Roope Hintz do at full health?

Let’s imagine what Roope Hintz can do when fully healthy, knowing what he accomplished on one leg last season.

The most impressive part of Hintz’ 2020-21 performance was that he showed no signs of his ailment when in the lineup. Hintz was still able to use his elite speed to break down defenders and exceed a point-per-game pace, which is not easy to do in today’s NHL.

"“We can never forget, he’s playing hurt…a lot of guys wouldn’t play in the situation that he’s in and what he’s dealing with. Give him 100 percent marks for being gutty and (showing) the character to play. He’s just a dominant player. He shows what he means to our team. He’s our best forward.” -Stars Head Coach, Rick Bowness"

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 09: Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars leaps to dodge a shot on goal as John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks defends during the second period of a game at Honda Center on January 09, 2020 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 09: Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars leaps to dodge a shot on goal as John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks defends during the second period of a game at Honda Center on January 09, 2020 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Health has been a bit of a concern for the 24-year-old center. Hintz played through an entire series in pain after fracturing his foot during the playoffs of his rookie season. He then fractured his ankle in the 2019-20 Western Conference Final and missed part of the Stanley Cup Final with a groin injury.

Hintz and the Dallas Stars believed his groin was fully healed and ready to go at the start of last season. Unfortunately, the Stars learned such was not the case during training camp. We learned from Stars GM Jim Nill that Hintz was still dealing with injury and would be a game-time decision all season long.

Stars fans did not learn until after last season that Hintz required surgery due to the lingering effects from his playoff injury the previous year. Hintz’ status remained unknown for every game of the 2020-21 season and was often undecided until skating in warm-ups. Ultimately, Hintz played in 41 games and finished the season with 43 points.

We like Hintz’ outlook in the new season, knowing he’ll be in the lineup on most, if not all, nights.

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