The Dallas Stars defence suffered a major loss as standout defenceman Miro Heiskanen. New emerged that the he was injured and will be out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.
Miro Heiskanen has been ruled week-to-week with a lower-body injury, per Pete DeBoer.
He had an MRI yesterday and will see a specialist today to learn more about the injury.
He is doubtful for 4 Nations, but no official decision yet.
— Lia Assimakopoulos (@Lassimak) January 30, 2025
Miro Heiskanen Injured; Out Week-to-Week
Heiskanen was injured during the third period of Dallas’ 4-3 overtime win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. This was when Vegas forward Mark Stone collided with the 25-year-old defenceman, with his shoulder contacting Heiskanen at the knees. Stone claims he was tripped by Stars forward Roope Hintz. The stick of Hintz can be seen making brief contact with Stone’s skate blade.
Heiskanen immediately went down on the ice as a skirmish began between the teams. Teammates helped him off the ice, and he did not return to the game. He collected an assist on a Mavrik Bourque first-period goal to extend his point streak to five games before the injury.
Stone was assessed a minor penalty for tripping. However, many will contest it should have been a more serious “clipping” penalty by NHL rules.
Heiskanen’s Injury History
Heiskanen also suffered a substantial injury last January. He missed 10 games with a lower-body injury after colliding with former backup goaltender Scott Wedgewood during a game against the Colorado Avalanche. The Stars went 6-3-1 in his absence. He returned for a 5-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
Heiskanen also missed brief time during the 2020-21 season with another lower-body injury and spent time in concussion protocol in 2020.
What the Injury Means for the Dallas Stars’ Defence
Miro Heiskanen’s injury is obviously a difficult development for the Dallas Stars. Not only is he part of the team’s top defence pairing, but he is probably their best overall defenceman. He has a unique ability to smoothly operate offensively and rarely misses a stride getting back on the defensive end, displaying a poise with which he has played his entire career.
The Finnish defenceman was eighth on the team with 25 points this season, leading all Dallas defenders. Without him, Thomas Harley takes that honor. However, there is a pretty sharp decrease throughout the rest of the Stars defencemen.
The injury also comes at a bad time as the Stars just placed fellow defenceman Nils Lundkvist on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury.
However, with the depth the organization has developed, that still leaves five Dallas Stars defencemen from the 2024-25 opening night roster available. Yet, Brendan Smith has been filling in as a fourth-line forward recently. This leaves another hole in the Stars’ defence.
Replacement Options
Rookie Lian Bichsel, who was recently recalled from the American Hockey League, has been increasingly impressive in the NHL this season. He should now have a permanent spot along Dallas’ blue line. However, a decision will need to be made to fill other slots.
NHL teams usually have seven defencemen actively available on the roster — dressing six and scratching one each game. The recent injuries leave the Stars with six defencemen on the current active roster. At least one move will need to be made to account for Heiskanen’s absence.
Looking at the roster for the Texas Stars, Dallas’ AHL affiliate, Alexander Petrovic might be the choice. He’s a veteran NHL player and earned another shot at the Dallas roster with his play in the last post-season. Dallas could also go with Kyle Capobianco, who signed with the parent club over the offseason, or a more heralded prospect like Gavin White or Christian Kyrou.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
