The Dallas Stars feel like the favorites in the West right now. With a 2-1 series lead over the Winnipeg Jets and looking like the far superior team, they’re the team to beat. However, the Stars are set to become even better as star defenceman Miro Heiskanen is set to return in Game Four of the second round. While this is a significant addition for Dallas. Heiskanen is arguably the most critical piece of the Stars’ roster. Getting him back will make the Stars better this series and the rest of the playoffs.
Heiskanen Return Makes the Stars Even Better
We have activated Miro Heiskanen from the Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR). pic.twitter.com/mvpo8T6ajp
— X – Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) May 13, 2025
As mentioned before, it’s hard to imagine the Stars getting even better. They beat the Colorado Avalanche in seven games and have dominated the Jets in every aspect. Mikko Rantanen’s play has been a big reason for that. He leads the team in every offense category during the playoffs. He’s racked up eight goals and eight assists for 18 points. Couple that with Jake Oettinger’s 2.71 goals against average, and you see why they’ve succeeded.
Heiskanen’s return improves this already dangerous roster. In the 50 games he played this season, he scored five goals and 20 assists for 25 points. The big thing Heiskanen brings is his defensive ability. His CF% on the ice was 58.5, as well as 85 blocked shots and 28 takeaways. This should make the Stars’ defense even better. This will help Oettinger a lot and make him even more dominant. As an added bonus, he could be a set-up man for Rantanen, allowing the offensive attack to improve.
One Concern
The only thing the Stars should be worried about with Heiskanen is pushing him too hard. He is coming off “a serious knee injury” and is returning a little earlier than expected. The Stars can be good for the next five years with how the roster is currently constructed. Having Heiskanen locked up for the next three seasons is a big part of that. You do not want to have him re-aggravate or worsen the injury and jeopardize that window. However, Peter DeBoer is well aware of that and has already stated that expectations should not be that high with him. While Heiskanen’s return is huge for the Stars in this playoff run, they have to be smart not to ruin their championship window.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron- Imagn Images
