Stars Place Bäck and Lindell on Injured Reserve
The Dallas Stars have shifted both players to the injury list following recent setbacks in Colorado and Chicago.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Hockey
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The Dallas Stars have placed forward Oskar Bäck on long-term injured reserve and defenseman Esa Lindell on injured reserve. These roster moves come after both players sustained injuries during recent road games.
Why it matters
Managing player availability through the injured reserve system is essential for the Stars to maintain roster flexibility during the ongoing season. These adjustments allow the team to address critical depth needs while the injured athletes recover.
Oskar Bäck is expected to miss 4-6 weeks following a broken finger sustained on Oct. 14. Esa Lindell is sidelined for one week with a lower-body injury, and the team currently holds a four-game winning streak.
The players
Oskar Bäck
He is a professional hockey forward currently playing for the Dallas Stars.
Esa Lindell
He is a professional hockey defenseman for the Dallas Stars.
Dallas Stars
This is a professional hockey team based in Dallas that competes in the National Hockey League.
The details
Bäck was moved to long-term injured reserve retroactive to Oct. 14, requiring him to miss at least 10 games and 24 calendar days. Lindell was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Oct. 17, which opens a necessary roster spot for the team.
Timeline
Oct. 14, 2026: Oskar Bäck sustained a broken finger.
Oct. 17, 2026: Esa Lindell became eligible for injured reserve.
Oct. 24, 2026: The team officially announced the roster moves.
Oct. 25, 2026: The Stars face the New York Islanders.
Season Trajectory
These roster moves follow the protocols defined in the NHL's Collective Bargaining Agreement roster rules to manage player status during the season. The Stars must navigate these mandatory inactivity windows to maintain the necessary depth for their playoff push.
The placement of these players on injured reserve opens immediate roster spots for new call-ups ahead of the team's upcoming schedule. Fans should watch for adjustments to the defensive pairings and bottom-six forward group as the team maintains their four-game win streak.
The takeaway
Maintaining roster depth through tactical use of the injured reserve list is a standard strategy for long-season success in professional hockey. The Stars must now rely on their remaining active personnel to preserve their current momentum.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Dallas Hockey section.
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