After missing over three months with a knee injury, the 25-year-old defenseman is back on the blue line and working wonders for Dallas

When Miro Heiskanen was day-to-day for the entire first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, many questioned the Stars’ urgency in his delayed return to the lineup. But it all proved to be for good reason,

When the Edmonton Oilers met the Dallas Stars in the 2024 Western Conference final a year ago, Thomas Harley largely flew under the radar on a blueline that was led by Miro Heiskanen and also featured grizzled veterans Esa Lindell,

Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene could not have explained the value of Miro Heiskanen any better after Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers.

Heiskanen’s return also helps Dallas readjust its defense. Thomas Harley absorbed more responsibility and minutes during Heiskanen’s absence at the end of January. Harley averaged a team-leading 24:53 of ice time in 30 games after the injury and played on the top power-play unit. He averaged 22:27 per game prior to Jan. 29.

The Dallas Stars are getting ready for the Western Conference Final showdown against the Edmonton Oilers. Dallas lost to Edmonton last year in this same spot, so they will try to get themselves back to the Stanley Cup Final.

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen sent a defiant message after mounting an inspiring comeback against the Edmonton Oilers.

Heiskanen, whom the Stars drafted No. 3 overall in 2017, is widely regarded as a top-five defenseman in the NHL. With both lockdown defensive abilities and offensive prowess, Heiskanen recorded 25 points in 50 games for the Stars this year after logging 16 points in 19 playoff games for Dallas in 2024.

Defenseman Miro Heiskanen had an assist in his return for Dallas Stars in the NHL playoffs after missing 3 1/2 months with a left knee injury.

The Stars' long-awaited breakthrough to the Stanley Cup Final may come down to how well their best defenseman contains the best player in the world.