
Roope Hintz
FinlandAlso known as: Ace of Spades
Birthday
November 17, 1996
Birth Sign
Scorpio
Birthplace
Tampere, Finland
Age
29 years old
About
Roope Hintz is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward and alternate captain for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League. Known for his blend of size, speed, and scoring touch, he anchors the Stars' top line and carries the nickname "Ace of Spades."
As of 2026, Hintz is one of the most important players on a contending Dallas team, coming off a season that saw him sign a long-term extension and battle through a significant hamstring injury. His combination of power-forward strength and elite skating makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents, and his quiet, workmanlike demeanor has endeared him to fans who appreciate substance over flash.
Early Life & Background
Born and raised in Tampere, Finland, Hintz grew up in a hockey-loving family and developed his game within the Ilves organization, the prominent Finnish club based in his hometown. As a teenager, he took an unusual path across the Atlantic, playing for the Tampa Bay Juniors and briefly with the Bismarck Bobcats of the NAHL before returning to Finland to turn pro with Ilves.
He was the youngest player on Ilves during the 2014–15 Liiga season, recording 17 points in 42 games while gaining valuable experience with Finland's U20 national team. His strong play caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection 49th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Career Growth
Hintz made his full transition to North American professional hockey during the 2017–18 season, splitting time between the Dallas Stars and their AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars. He notably appeared in the 2018 Calder Cup Finals, helping Texas reach the championship round. His consistent development earned him a permanent NHL roster spot for the 2019–20 season, and by 2021–22 he had solidified his role as the team's top-line center, often being their most impactful player on the ice.
In 2024, he signed an eight-year, $67.6 million contract extension with the Stars, carrying an $8.45 million annual cap hit, a commitment that reflects his status as a franchise cornerstone. The 2025–26 season proved challenging, as he suffered a torn left hamstring in two places, an injury that required a long recovery and ultimately caused him to miss the start of the 2026 playoffs. Coach Glen Gulutzan expressed hope that Hintz could return during the series against the Minnesota Wild.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Hintz is regarded by media and fans as a reliable, high-impact top-line center whose value to the Dallas Stars is immense, often cited as their most impactful player. His public persona is that of a quiet, hard-working Finnish professional who lets his play do the talking. He doesn't seek attention off the ice, and his sparse social media presence reinforces that image.
Fans appreciate his consistent two-way game and his ability to elevate his play in crucial moments. While there's no official fandom name or elaborate fan rituals, Stars supporters have embraced him as a cornerstone of the team's identity.
Fame & Fandom
Roope Hintz has never cultivated a distinct fan club with a moniker or a dedicated following that operates independently of the Dallas Stars organization. His supporters are primarily identified by their loyalty to the team rather than a personal movement, and there is no evidence of organized rituals, specific hashtags, or fan-funded campaigns unique to him. While his Instagram account @hhinee garners tens of thousands of followers, it functions as a standard athlete channel rather than a hub for a structured fandom mythology. The narrative surrounding him remains grounded in athletic performance and recent injury updates rather than viral folklore or legendary crowd reactions. He is viewed as a reliable, high-impact player whose quiet demeanor and workmanlike ethic resonate with fans who value substance over flash, but this appreciation has not coalesced into a formalized subculture with its own legends or inside jokes. His public image is defined by consistency and on-ice results, lacking the dramatic, culture-defining moments that often spawn dedicated fan lore. Despite the absence of a formalized fanbase structure, his standing within the global sports landscape remains formidable. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, he holds significant placement among his peers. Roope Hintz is currently the 87th most famous person in Ice Hockey, a position he maintains from the previous cycle. This ranking reflects his status as a cornerstone of a contending NHL franchise and his recognition as a top-tier forward on the world stage.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Roope Hintz played for both the Tampa Bay Juniors and the Bismarck Bobcats in North America as a teenager before returning to Finland, an unusual development path for a Finnish player. His nickname, "Ace of Spades," stems from his card-themed moniker and his knack for delivering when it matters most. He tore his left hamstring in two places, a severe injury that impacted his 2025–26 season and required a lengthy recovery period. His Instagram handle, @hhinee, features just 38 posts, reflecting his extremely private, low-key social media presence. In April 2026, he missed the start of the playoffs against the Minnesota Wild due to an injury setback, sitting out Games 1 through 4 while taking steps toward recovery. Fans still recall his shining audition where he helped the Stars defeat the Wild 5-3 in July 2026, a performance that highlighted his keen eye for scoring opportunities. Born in Nokia/Tampere, Finland, in 1996, he was drafted 49th overall in 2015 and has since built a reputation as a highly intelligent forward with elite skating ability.
Family & Personal Life
Details about Hintz's family are not widely public. He was born in Tampere, Finland, where he grew up and began his hockey career. His parents and siblings have stayed out of the spotlight, and he rarely shares personal family moments publicly.
As of 2026, he has not publicly mentioned a spouse or children, and he keeps his personal life largely separate from his professional career.
Notable Connections
Hintz shares the ice with several notable teammates on the Dallas Stars, including alternate captains and top-line wingers. Coach Glen Gulutzan has publicly discussed Hintz's injury status, expressing hope for his return during the 2026 playoffs. Defenseman Nils Lundkvist is another teammate mentioned in connection with the team's injury situation.
Relationships & Dating History
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$25 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates Roope Hintz's net worth at $25 Million. This figure is built primarily from his NHL contracts, anchored by his current eight-year, $67.6 million extension signed in 2024 with the Dallas Stars. That deal carries an annual cap hit of $8.45 million and has pushed his career earnings into the tens of millions alongside his earlier entry-level and bridge deals. His financial growth has been steady since breaking into the NHL full-time in 2019–20. Endorsement income remains minimal, as he maintains a low-key public profile and has not pursued major sponsorship deals. His wealth is almost entirely tied to his playing salary, with no significant reported business ventures or real estate holdings.
Awards & Accolades
Known For
Dallas Stars
2019–present · Top-line center and alternate captain
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- ice hockey player
- Born
- November 17, 1996
- Birthplace
- Tampere, Finland
- Gender
- Male
- Birth Sign
- Scorpio
- Team
- Dallas Stars
- Position
- Center
- Shoots
- Left
- Drafted
- 49th overall, 2015
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