Stars’ Miro Heiskanen to Consult Specialist, Expected Back by Playoffs
The Dallas Stars are hopeful that star defenseman Miro Heiskanen’s injury isn’t as severe as initially feared.
“We’re feeling optimistic,” Stars GM Jim Nill told The Athletic on Friday. “He had an MRI, saw our team doctor, and he’ll visit a specialist in New York on Monday. After that, we’ll have a clearer idea of the situation.”
Although the team won’t have a full understanding until after the specialist consultation, they are confident that Heiskanen’s season isn’t over.
“I’m pretty optimistic he’ll be back before the playoffs,” Nill added. “That’s where we’re at right now. We’ll see how it plays out. We’re not sure if it’s eight weeks, 10 weeks, or 12 weeks, but we’re optimistic he’ll be ready for the playoffs.”
The injury is officially labeled as lower-body, though Stars head coach Pete DeBoer mentioned the possibility of Heiskanen needing knee surgery during a local radio interview on Thursday.
It remains uncertain whether surgery will be required.
“That’s why he’s going to New York. It’s not definitive yet,” Nill explained. “There’s a potential treatment option they’re exploring. There are two possible ways to address it.”
“If surgery is needed, we don’t expect it to be major,” Nill added. “But that’s still to be determined.”
For now, the Stars are planning as though they won’t have Heiskanen’s $8.45 million cap hit available before the March 7 trade deadline, as they expect him to return before the regular season ends.
“Right now, I expect him to be available at some point in the regular season,” Nill said. “But let’s wait until Monday and see what the specialist says. With input from our team doctor and the specialist, we’ll decide on the best course of action.”
The Stars may also have Tyler Seguin’s $9.85 million cap hit available before the trade deadline, as he remains out with a long-term injury.
Either way, the Stars have decent cap flexibility and can make moves if needed, especially with injuries affecting both the forward and defense positions.
“We do have some flexibility,” Nill said. “We’ll gather more information as we get closer to the deadline and adjust accordingly.”
While the Stars are relieved that the situation isn’t worse, it’s a significant blow for Finland’s 4 Nations squad, as they’ll be without their top defenseman.
“It’s really unfortunate,” Finland GM Jere Lehtinen said. “Especially for Miro, missing the 4 Nations. It’s tough for both him and the Stars.”
Lehtinen also noted that a replacement player for Heiskanen has yet to be announced.
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