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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Are You Ready For Miro Heiskanen?

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

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.

To the surprise of absolutely no one, captain (and LW) Jamie Benn made the top 10 among the NHL’s top 20 wingers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

All eyes are on Florida-born Jack Hughes as the All-American Prospects Game approaches.

Speaking of 2019 draft-eligibles, Li’l Murderface’s younger brother, Anttoni Honka, is starting to reach critical hype.

Riley Tufte is eager to get the NCAA hockey season started.

And send your best wishes to former Star Curtis McKenzie, now of the Vegas Golden Knights, who celebrated his wedding over the weekend.

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.

Talking Points