Roope Hintz Bio
Roope Hintz, nicknamed the “Ace of Spades,” is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward and alternate captain for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on 17 November 1996 in Nokia, Finland, he began his career with Ilves in the Finnish Liiga before being selected 49th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 217 pounds, Hintz has developed into a top-line center known for his scoring touch and two-way play. He has been central to the Dallas Stars’ push toward Stanley Cup contention in recent seasons.
Over the course of his career, Hintz has represented his country at the senior international level and has signed a long-term extension that keeps him in Dallas through 2030. He continues to be one of the most important forwards in the Stars’ lineup.
Early Life and Background
Roope Hintz was born on 17 November 1996 in Nokia, Finland, to parents Marika and Kai. He grew up alongside his brother Miiko, who also played hockey and helped shape Roope’s love for the sport. Hintz began skating at the age of three at the Pyry Skating School, where he joined the local Nokia Pyry youth program. The community in Nokia gave him his earliest platform to develop his game.
As a child, Hintz was a multi-sport athlete who competed in organized basketball, soccer, and hockey. Both of his parents had played basketball in their youth, but Hintz chose to follow his brother and pursue ice hockey. His size and coordination made him a natural fit for the sport, and he advanced quickly through the youth ranks in Finland.
Before turning professional, Hintz spent time in North America during the 2012–13 season, playing for the Tampa Bay Juniors in the Empire Junior Hockey League. During 20 games with the Juniors, he recorded 20 goals and 15 assists for 35 points as he adjusted to smaller ice surfaces. He also made a brief appearance with the Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League before deciding to return home and play professionally in Finland.
Path to Hockey
Hintz made his Liiga debut during the 2013–14 season with Ilves. He played seven top-flight games that year but spent most of the season with the club’s U20 team, where his play earned him the Finnish Youth Championship League’s October Player of the Month award in November 2013. The experience gave him a steady introduction to high-level competition.
During the 2014–15 Liiga season, Hintz emerged as a regular contributor for Ilves. As the youngest player on the roster, he recorded five goals and 12 assists for 17 points across 42 games, finishing eighth on the team in points and seventh in assists. His performance drew attention from the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, which ranked him among the top eligible European skaters heading into the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Following two seasons with Ilves, Hintz transferred to fellow Liiga club HIFK on 23 April 2015 on a two-year contract. He missed the start of the 2015–16 campaign due to injury but returned to become HIFK’s second-line center. Within his next 10 games, he posted two goals and three assists while averaging more than 18 minutes of ice time per night. He also represented Finland at the 2016 Channel One Cup, recording a goal and an assist in three games.
Roope Hintz Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
Hintz built his reputation in Finland with Ilves and HIFK during the 2013–14, 2014–15, and 2015–16 seasons. Despite an injury that delayed the start of his first HIFK campaign, he finished 2015–16 with 19 goals and 11 assists for 30 points in 44 games. He then led the entire Liiga in playoff scoring with 14 points in 14 games before HIFK was eliminated.
In 2016–17, Hintz continued to develop with HIFK before signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars at the conclusion of that Liiga season. The deal set the stage for his move to North America.
AHL Development and NHL Breakthrough (2017–2019)
Hintz attended the Dallas Stars’ training camp in fall 2017 but was assigned to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Texas Stars. He made his AHL debut on 5 October 2017 and scored in a 6–5 win over the Chicago Wolves. By December, his nine goals and eight assists led all Texas rookies in scoring, and he was recalled to the NHL on 5 March 2018 before being returned to the AHL the next day.
Hintz played a key role in the Texas Stars’ run to the 2018 Calder Cup Finals against the Toronto Marlies. He recorded two important assists against the Ontario Reign in the first round and then posted three goals and three assists in the Conference Finals against the Rockford IceHogs, including the overtime game-six winner with 8.5 seconds remaining. The Texas Stars ultimately fell in game seven of the Finals.
After participating in the 2018 NHL Prospect Tournament and impressing in preseason play, Hintz earned a roster spot to start the 2018–19 NHL season. He made his NHL debut on 4 October 2018 against the Arizona Coyotes. Following a brief stint in the AHL, he scored his first NHL goal on 18 November 2018 at Barclays Center in a 6–2 victory over the New York Islanders. By February 2019, he had earned a top-six role on the left wing alongside Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov, and he scored the overtime game-winner that secured the Stars’ 2019 Stanley Cup playoff wildcard spot.
Dallas Stars Top-Line Center (2019–Present)
Hintz’s strong 2018–19 season earned him a full-time NHL role for 2019–20. He began the year centering the top line with Jamie Benn and Corey Perry, leading the team in goals and points before a lower-body injury in November. After returning, he recorded 19 goals by the time play was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ranking second on the team despite skating fewer minutes than most of his fellow forwards.
During the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, Hintz helped the Stars defeat the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, and Vegas Golden Knights to reach the Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He scored his first postseason goal of the tournament in game one against Colorado and battled through injuries to keep playing. Following the playoff run, general manager Jim Nill signed Hintz to a three-year contract extension worth $9.45 million.
From 2021–22 onward, Hintz has anchored the Stars’ top line alongside Joe Pavelski and Jason Robertson. On 30 November 2021, he recorded his first NHL hat-trick in a 4–1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes and reached 30 goals in just 65 games. On 29 November 2022, he signed an eight-year, $67.6 million extension to remain in Dallas through the 2029–30 season. On 19 April 2023, he scored his first postseason hat-trick in a 7–3 win over the Minnesota Wild, becoming only the fourth Stars player ever to record a playoff hat-trick and the first to do so in Dallas.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hintz combines a 6-foot-3 frame with smooth skating and a reliable two-way game. He excels as a top-line center because of his faceoff ability, his vision as a playmaker, and his willingness to attack the net. His partnership with Joe Pavelski and Jason Robertson has produced one of the most productive lines in the NHL in recent seasons.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Hintz’s signature moments are his first NHL goal against the New York Islanders on 18 November 2018, his overtime winner that clinched the Stars’ 2019 playoff spot, and his first NHL hat-trick against the Carolina Hurricanes on 30 November 2021. His postseason hat-trick against the Minnesota Wild in April 2023 cemented his status as a clutch performer in big games.
Roope Hintz Career Wins
While win totals are not fully verified across all competitions, Roope Hintz has built a record of scoring titles and playoff success. He led the entire Liiga in playoff scoring in 2016 and has been a top goal-scorer for the Dallas Stars in multiple NHL seasons.
NHL Highlights
Hintz scored his first NHL goal on 18 November 2018 against the New York Islanders and recorded his first NHL hat-trick on 30 November 2021 against the Carolina Hurricanes. He has been a consistent top-six contributor for the Stars since 2019 and reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2020.
Other Wins and Performances
Hintz led Liiga playoff scoring in 2016 with HIFK and won the Finnish Youth Championship League’s October Player of the Month award in November 2013. He also represented Finland at the 2016 Channel One Cup.
Roope Hintz Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Hintz was raised in Nokia, Finland, by his parents Marika and Kai. His older brother, Miiko, also played hockey and served as Roope’s earliest role model in the sport. Both parents played basketball in their youth, and the family encouraged Roope to try multiple sports before he focused on ice hockey.
Personal Life
Hintz grew up in Nokia, the same Finnish town where he was born, and continues to keep close ties to his family. He returns to Finland during the off-season to rest and recharge, a routine that has helped him stay healthy through long NHL campaigns.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Roope Hintz remains the Dallas Stars’ top-line center on a long-term contract that runs through 2030. His established chemistry with Joe Pavelski and Jason Robertson has been the foundation of the Stars’ offensive identity, and the team is expected to rely on him again to drive scoring.
The Stars are aiming to return to the Stanley Cup Finals after falling short in recent playoff runs. With Hintz healthy, Dallas has one of the most productive top lines in the Western Conference and a legitimate chance to contend for the championship.
For Hintz individually, the 2025 campaign offers a chance to add to his list of milestones, including more 30-goal seasons and additional postseason hat-tricks. His combination of size, skill, and experience makes him a central figure in the Stars’ pursuit of the Stanley Cup.