DALLAS โ In an exciting development for the Dallas Stars, defenseman Miro Heiskanen was taken off the long-term injured reserve list on Tuesday. This move raises hopes of his potential return to the lineup after a lengthy hiatus of three and a half months. The team particularly looks forward to his participation in Game 4 of their second-round NHL playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets.
Stars coach Pete DeBoer expressed optimism earlier in the day, revealing that Heiskanen was expected to play in the eveningโs game, assuming he came through an optional morning skate without any issues.
Heiskanenโs presence has been sorely missed as he sat out the last 32 regular-season games as well as the first 10 games of the playoffs. A significant injury to his left knee occurred on January 28 during a clash with the Vegas Golden Knights when he received a hard hit from their captain, Mark Stone. Following this, Heiskanen underwent surgery in February.
Prior to the injury, the 25-year-old Finnish defenseman was a key player for the Stars, amassing a tally of 25 points, which included five goals and 20 assists, in his 50-game play. Heiskanenโs career with the Stars spans seven NHL seasons, during which he has notched up 61 points from 16 goals over 85 playoff games before his anticipated return.
Heiskanenโs journey with the Stars began when he was selected third overall in the 2017 NHL draft. Currently, he is four years into a substantial eight-year contract worth $67.6 million, solidifying his role as a cornerstone player for the team.