Arttu Hyry, a 25‑year‑old Finnish forward, burst onto the NHL scene during the 2025‑26 season, quickly becoming a regular in the Dallas Stars’ lineup despite beginning the year in the American Hockey League.
NHL Debut and Early Impact
Hyry made his NHL debut in the 2025‑26 campaign and, after a late‑season recall prompted by injuries, logged 20 games, producing three goals and two assists. His first NHL goal came on a shorthanded tally against Philadelphia, and he later delivered a clutch game‑winner versus Toronto.
Defensive Contributions
Beyond his scoring, Hyry proved valuable on the penalty kill, averaging 2:04 minutes of shorthanded ice time per game and tying for third among Stars forwards. He also won 57.9% of his faceoffs, ranking second on the team and eleventh league‑wide after the Olympic stretch.
Playoff Setback and Contract Outlook
During the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Hyry appeared in Games 2 through 5 before suffering a high‑ankle sprain in Game 5, which sidelined him for the remainder of the series. He is slated to sign a two‑year deal that averages $875,000, with the first year structured as a two‑way contract.
The Stars find themselves constrained by a salary cap that sits just under $500,000 after re‑signing key veterans Jason Robertson and Jamie Benn. This financial pressure makes Hyry’s role for the 2026‑27 season uncertain, with the club weighing the benefits of keeping him on the NHL roster against the possibility of assigning him to the AHL if injuries or cap considerations arise.