Shocking injury update rocks Avalanche rival's franchise defenseman ahead of next season
Photo credit: Jerome Miron / USA TODAY Sports
A shocking injury update has shaken the Colorado Avalanche's divisional rival, as Dallas Stars franchise defenseman Miro Heiskanen now faces major uncertainty heading into the 2025-26 NHL season, a development that could have serious implications for the Central Division race.
Heiskanen, 26, missed a big chunk of last year with a knee injury.
Miro Heiskanen rocked with massive injury update.
Vince Hull from Blade of Steel writes that Heiskanen says his knee is back to 100 percent just in time for Stars' training camp, and if that proves true, it could shift the entire trajectory of Dallas' upcoming season.
"It was a frustrating setback for one of the league's most reliable two-way blueliners, especially given how heavily the Dallas Stars rely on him in all situations.
Now, with camp just around the corner, Heiskanen is sending a clear message: he's ready to go." -Hull
Now, with camp just around the corner, Heiskanen is sending a clear message: he's ready to go." -Hull
Here's what Heiskanen told The Dallas Morning News in a recent interview...
My confidence is back where it used to be now that my knee can take all the practice and feels fine." -Heiskanen
For fans who watched the Stars come up short in the second round last spring, this is exactly the kind of news they've been hoping for.
Heiskanen made a late return during the playoffs, averaging 21:49 of ice time over eight games. While he wasn't at full strength, he still managed to contribute four points, a testament to his impact even when not at 100 percent.
"In the two seasons before his injury, Heiskanen had nearly averaged a point per game. He also earned back-to-back top‑10 Norris Trophy finishes and played with a mix of speed, vision, and control that made him one of the best in the league.
If he's truly healthy, the Stars' top defensive trio, Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, and Esa Lindell, becomes even more dangerous." -Hull
If he's truly healthy, the Stars' top defensive trio, Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, and Esa Lindell, becomes even more dangerous." -Hull
The Stars didn't make any major moves on the blue line this offseason, largely due to cap constraints, and that only increases the pressure on Heiskanen to shoulder a significant workload. But if he performs at his usual elite level, this could very well be the year Dallas finally breaks through.
"We've come close, but now it's time to take the next step." -Heiskanen
The Stars have reached three consecutive Western Conference Finals. Now, they need to finish the job. And to do that, they'll need their star defenseman healthy, dominant, and leading the charge from the back end.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
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