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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Is Miro Heiskanen a Franchise Changer?

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

Last Friday, Miro Heiskanen came into the Dallas Stars’ Frisco headquarters and practice rink as the team’s most-watched prospect. His sky-high ceiling and third-overall pedigree are already creating the kind of anticipation reserved for players who can alter a team’s destiny:

Despite not turning 18 until July 18, Heiskanen, who’s 6-1, 172 pounds, already is the team’s top prospect and is earmarked for greatness.

…

If you’re drawing it out on paper, Heiskanen in four or five years could be the team’s best defenseman — and then be the best defenseman for 10 years after that. He has the potential to be a franchise player, and that’s pretty exciting for a team that has had its best luck finding its current best players in the fifth round.

Great expectations or no, he’ll still be subject to GM Jim Nill’s “ripening” philosophy:

He’ll get a chance to earn a spot on the NHL roster, but his odds of making it this season are probably slim. With Dallas already carrying nine defensemen, the best thing for Heiskanen’s development would probably be returning to HIFK in the Finnish Elite League, where he played 37 games last season and tallied five goals and five assists as a 17-year-old.

“He’s a very good player,” [Nill] said. “He’s a very level-headed kid, he’s already played against men, really it’s just a maturing thing. In the end, his play will dictate where he ends up, but we’re not going to rush him.”

There’s more at Mike’s place. [SportsDayDFW]

Mark Stepneski shared some prospect-camp video so fans will remember what they’re waiting for.

First, the important stuff: The Stars have numbers for their newest players.

If you stopped by Prospect Development Camp in Frisco, you may have seen a familiar figure putting the kids through their paces. Sean Shapiro has posted a subscribers-only story on Todd Eldredge – world champion, three-time Olympian, and six-time U.S. national champion – and his role in building power and precision into a team (and league) increasingly designed around great skating.

Another well-known, and welcome, face at camp: head counseler player development coordinator Rich Peverley.

Jason Robertson talked about what he’s learned so far.

Mark has more video from training camp.

ICYMI, Radek Faksa has signed a three-year, $6.6 million contract extension, and there was much rejoicing.

And Julie Dobbs has teased a new FOX Sports Southwest special on Coach Ken Hitchcock, past and present.

Good news for Dave Strader fans: He’ll participate this Thursday, July 13, in the third annual “Talk of the Town” benefit for DFW children’s charities (including the Dallas Stars Foundation).

Which teams got better, and worse, during the offseason? Dom Luszczyszyn has a bar chart. [The Hockey News]

Former Star Pierre Turgeon has landed his first NHL coaching job: He’ll join the staff of a Los Angeles Kings team intent on improving its scoring. [Los Angeles Times]

And it’s official: Former coach Lindy Ruff has joined the New York Rangers staff. [New York Newsday]

Meanwhile, former Star Mark Fistric has begun a new chapter as a firefighter-paramedic with Edmonton Fire Rescue.

Tyler Johnson gets paid: The Tampa Bay Lightning star has signed a deal for seven years and $35 million. [Raw Charge]

Hockey professionals are fans, too. Mark Stepneski was proud enough of the Leon Draisaitl card he got at the NHL Draft that he shared it on Twitter.

Even Jamie Benn got super-interested, super-fast. Of course, we can’t possibly read anything into this. #FreeLeon

What else happened over the weekend? Well, Alex Ovechkin stole the show at his own wedding.

Seriously, this ceremony was so over-the-top it was too much for just one day.

Meanwhile, Ilya Kovalchuk has confirmed that he’s staying in the KHL at least in part so he can play in the 2018 Winter Olympics. [Sportsnet]

On a serious note: Hockey writer Slava Malamud tweeted a small book about the intertwining of hockey and politics in Russia, and how the national team’s anticipated easy Olympic victory is expected to reverberate into the country’s upcoming elections. Click the embed to read the entire thread.

Finally: It’s always Slap Shot Night somewhere, and the Hanson Brothers will be ready. Enjoy.

Talking Points