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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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DALLAS, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 07: Brandon Hagel #38 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates the puck against Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars the third period at American Airlines Center on February 07, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 07: Brandon Hagel #38 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates the puck against Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars the third period at American Airlines Center on February 07, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Two-way player emergence

Hintz showed more than offense last season as he developed more into a true, two-way center. His ice time increased by nearly 4 minutes from the previous season as he increased in on-ice responsibility. Hintz exceeded 18 minutes per night in 2020-21 because he gained his coaches’ trust in multiple situations.

"“He’s made so many leaps and bounds since he first came into Dallas, and now he is I think one of the most underrated players in the NHL…The way that he skates, his big body, he can shoot, he’s got great vision, great IQ, he’s very responsible defensively. When he’s out of the lineup, it’s a huge loss for us. When he’s in the lineup, it makes us a better team.” – Blake Comeau"

Hintz killed penalties on the second power-play unit while also winning nearly 50% of key face-offs. The centerman was usually on the ice during the most crucial situations to include final minutes, overtime periods, and the shootouts.

Hintz’ production during the season was impressive, considering the eventual disclosure of his injury severity. Without injury, we expect Hintz to further cement himself as a Stars top two-way threat.

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