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Get on the Miro Heiskanen hype bus, OK? Because the Miro bus is going to get you through the last few hockey-less weeks of summer. I guarantee it.
Mark Stepneski spoke with the Dallas Stars ultraprospect for his latest work, and if you’re already in full fan cry at just the mention of Heiskanen’s name, you’re not alone. He even has seasoned team personnel waving pennants:
“I saw Miro quite a bit last year. Where do I start?” said Stars player development coordinator Rich Peverley. “He’s a great kid, and he’s grounded, and he’s humble. That’s huge. I think the more he feels comfortable here, the more you are going to see him excel. He is an incredible skater. He’s got a great touch around the net. He’s patient, elusive. He’s got all the makings right now.”
New head coach Jim Montgomery continues to make noises about a system that could do wonders for Miro, as well as for other promising youngsters (Julius Honka, looking at you):
“Everything is new to him,” said [Montgomery]. “We expect him to be an important part of our team. We expect to bring him along slowly, allowing him to play and play the way he needs to play in order to have success because, ultimately, that is going to make the Dallas Stars better. So, we are going to live with mistakes, and he is going to get thrown back out there. We’re going to try to make sure he is put in situations to have success early and as he shows the ability to have success we’re going to give him more and more.”
There’s much more at Mark’s place. [Stars Inside Edge]
Stars Stuff
How far can a healthy Mattias Janmark take his game? Mike Heika examines the case in the latest installment of Summer School.
Seguin, Benn and Radulov led the team in goals last season. The Stars next top goal scorer was Mattias Janmark.
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) August 17, 2018
What sort of production will come from the skilled, speedy winger this upcoming season? https://t.co/JLIq3jdxM0
To the surprise of absolutely no one, captain (and LW) Jamie Benn made the top 10 among the NHL’s top 20 wingers.
#NHLTopPlayers Top 20 Wings in the League right now via @NHLNetwork: https://t.co/KgoUSVp9KC
— David Satriano (@davidsatriano) August 20, 2018
Are your Ben Bishop expectations too high, or not high enough? The Hockey News ranks him and every other NHL starting goalie, with a shocking but not surprising No. 1.
The Great Goalie Debate: Ranking the #NHL's 31 starting netminders in 2018-19. @SamMcCaig22 files: https://t.co/08b1WYYAzS pic.twitter.com/p9rDUbabXM
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) August 19, 2018
Around the League(s)
Washington Capitals forward Jakub Vrana lost his grandmother before she could witness his team’s championship. He wanted to make sure she was part of his day with the Stanley Cup.
Jakub Vrana’s grandmother died during the season. He brought the Stanley Cup to her grave. https://t.co/qVZrzpD2hO
— RMNB (@russianmachine) August 19, 2018
Free-agent forward Scottie Upshall, most recently of the St. Louis Blues, will go to camp with the Edmonton Oilers on a professional try-out deal.
Scottie Upshall has gone on PTO's 2 of the last 3 years and earned Contracts:
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) August 19, 2018
St.Louis 2015 (St.Louis)
Vancouver 2017 (St.Louis).
He can skate, competes, is smart and can PK.
Could easily see him earning a contract...and provide the organization...options. https://t.co/5sWOots7WW
Team Canada superstar Hayley Wickenheiser has never been formally diagnosed with a concussion. It’s one reason why she wants her brain to be a part of future medical research.
Read @wick_22's essay on why she is donating her brain for research, and hopes for a better and healthier future for young girls https://t.co/jr8nidVM2c pic.twitter.com/z0vUAPjwZu
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) August 19, 2018
All eyes are on Florida-born Jack Hughes as the All-American Prospects Game approaches.
Jack Hughes tops roster for All-American Prospects Game
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) August 17, 2018
Sent with @NHL https://t.co/E3XpDXnhe6
Speaking of 2019 draft-eligibles, Li’l Murderface’s younger brother, Anttoni Honka, is starting to reach critical hype.
In his debut piece for @PuckAuthority1, @FinlaySherratt talks about Anttoni Honka and how he could be one of the most underrated prospects in the 2019 draft class. Click the link below for a full analysis!https://t.co/8ZPnAQmSsn
— The Puck Authority (@PuckAuthority1) August 20, 2018
Riley Tufte is eager to get the NCAA hockey season started.
Back to Duluth for my junior year! Excited to get things started. Let’s do it again Bulldog country!! pic.twitter.com/0ieuJpiP02
— Riley Tufte (@rileytufte27) August 20, 2018
And send your best wishes to former Star Curtis McKenzie, now of the Vegas Golden Knights, who celebrated his wedding over the weekend.
What a magical day! Amazing to be surrounded by the best family and friends. So excited for the rest of my life with the most beautiful bride #curtisstoleourcarr #loveinlakelouise pic.twitter.com/wESRc28J10
— Curtis McKenzie (@muckbro16) August 19, 2018
Finally
If you liked all those NHL stars sporting retro flow, check out the new batch – featuring Henrik Lundqvist’s Magnum look, Erik Karlsson’s Dorothy Hamill bob, and more. Enjoy.
Part 2 of NHL superstars with vintage haircuts is here and the new looks are absolutely fantastic. SEE THEM @ https://t.co/Zyj1UfEdMd pic.twitter.com/QAvFJlX9Bc
— BarDown (@BarDown) August 20, 2018