Dallas Stars vs maple leafs takes on added urgency tonight as the Stars are expected to activate forward Radek Faksa from injured reserve and put him back in the lineup this evening. Michael Bunting is also expected to return after missing the first few weeks of April with a lower-body injury, giving Dallas two forwards back at a critical moment. The timing matters as the Stars continue inching toward full strength heading into the postseason.
Radek Faksa Set To Return After A Long Delay
Faksa’s comeback has been delayed far longer than initially expected. He first suffered an upper-body injury during the Olympics while playing for Team Czechia, and the injury was not believed to be serious at the time, with only a short absence projected.
That outlook changed during rehabilitation, when Faksa suffered a lower-body injury that kept him out until now. Some reports had suggested he might be done for the season, but Dallas has managed to get him back in time for a late push, and stars vs maple leafs now features his return as part of that boost.
Faksa has not been a major point producer this season, but his value to Dallas has been more about structure than offense. He has two goals and 17 points in 56 games, while averaging 11: 41 of ice time per game.
Why His Return Matters For Dallas
Faksa remains one of the club’s most trusted shutdown forwards. He is a steady penalty killer, has a career 52. 4% success rate in the faceoff circle, and begins more than 70% of his shifts in the defensive zone. Dallas is comfortable matching him against top opponents, which could matter more as the games get tighter and the stakes rise.
That defensive profile gives the Stars another option they can lean on in difficult minutes, and that is exactly the kind of depth teams want to have back as the schedule moves closer to the playoffs. In a matchup like stars vs maple leafs, that kind of role player return can shape the way a bench is used.
Bunting Also Returns To The Lineup
Bunting is expected back as well after missing the first few weeks of April with a lower-body injury. His production before the injury was limited, with one goal and two points in 11 games after arriving at the trade deadline, along with a minus-7 rating.
Even with that uneven stretch, his availability adds another body to the roster and gives Dallas more flexibility as it pushes toward the postseason. The Stars do not need him to carry the offense right away; they need him healthy and available.
What Happens Next
The immediate focus is tonight’s game, but the larger picture is Dallas trying to line up its roster for the stretch ahead. The returns of Faksa and Bunting come at a time when every healthy forward matters, especially with the postseason approaching.
For Dallas, stars vs maple leafs is not just another regular-season matchup. It is also a test of whether the team can translate these late returns into steadier depth, sharper defensive minutes, and a cleaner path into the playoffs.
