Let’s get this out of the way first: A “down year” for Miro Heiskanen is a matter of perspective.
As one of the Dallas Stars’ staunchest defenders, he was on the ice for more minutes per game – nearly 25 – than any other player. As an already condensed schedule became actively punishing, he still maintained what would have been a 40-point pace in a normal 82-game season.
But the expectations for Heiskanen are already sky-high, and his upcoming contract negotiations will reflect that. Miro himself is still taking in what that will mean, as The Dallas Morning News’ Matthew DeFranks reports:
“I think [my season] went pretty well,” Heiskanen said.