Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin is currently navigating the challenging path of recovery following his right ACL surgery, describing this period as the toughest stretch of his NHL career. As he works hard to regain his strength and skills, he has begun skating with teammates in Frisco, Texas, but he remains cautious about committing to the Oct. 2 season opener against the St. Louis Blues.
Seguin’s Injury Journey
Seguin, 34, suffered his knee injury on December 2, 2025, during an overtime loss against the New York Rangers, where he became entangled with defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. Following the injury, he underwent surgery just two weeks later. The average recovery time for an ACL injury is approximately nine months; however, Seguin and the team are taking a conservative approach to ensure a full recovery.
In recent weeks, Seguin has resumed skating as part of captain’s skates but faced a setback in mid-June, which temporarily halted his on-ice activities. Thankfully, he is now showing steady progress, focusing on gradual improvement rather than rushing back to play. The injury adds to a series of significant health challenges Seguin has faced over the past few seasons.
Previously, Seguin underwent right hip surgery to repair a torn labrum on November 2, 2020, following the Stars’ appearance in the Stanley Cup Final, resulting in him playing only three games in the 2020-21 season. He then had surgery on his left hip in December 2024 for femoroacetabular impingement and a labrum repair, managing to return just in time for the final regular-season game and participating in all 18 playoff contests.
Before the ACL injury cut his season short, Seguin had recorded 17 points in 27 games, ranking third on the Stars in scoring. His contributions extended beyond scoring, as he also played a vital role in faceoffs and the penalty kill. General Manager Jim Nill recently stated that Seguin is back on the ice and is progressing in line with the typical ACL recovery timeline. However, the club will continue to exercise caution as he ramps up his activities.
Seguin has also exchanged insights with other NHL players who have faced ACL injuries, discovering that recovery experiences can differ significantly based on additional ligament damage or the types of procedures performed. The overarching theme remains a prolonged and demanding rehabilitation process, both physically and mentally.
As his recovery progresses, Seguin’s role under coach Glen Gulutzan will become clearer. Last season, he played as a right winger alongside Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson while also demonstrating versatility by filling in at center. As he continues to heal, fans and teammates alike are eager to see how Seguin will impact the team’s performance in the upcoming season.