Miro Heiskanen entered the 2025‑26 NHL season already recognized as one of the league’s premier defensemen, having been selected third overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2017 draft and consistently ranking among the top blue‑liners in the years that followed.
During the regular season he posted 63 points — nine goals and 54 assists — across 77 games, while his 132 blocked shots topped the entire NHL and set a new personal best. His 25 minutes and 28 seconds of average ice time placed him fourth league‑wide, and he was the only defenseman to log more than three minutes per game on both the power play (3:27) and the penalty kill (3:06).
Playoff performance and international duties
His durability showed up in the postseason, where he contributed six points in six games, and continued onto the international stage. At the 2026 Winter Olympics he recorded five points — two goals and three assists — helping Finland to a bronze‑medal finish.
The bronze‑medal game saw Finland crush Slovakia 6‑1, with Heiskanen’s offensive output playing a key part in the victory. His ability to combine defensive reliability with offensive creativity has made him a cornerstone of the Stars’ strategy and a model for modern two‑way defense.
International impact
Representing Finland, Heiskanen’s performances at the Olympics added a new chapter to his career, underscoring his importance beyond club hockey and reinforcing his reputation as a player who thrives under pressure.
Coaches and analysts alike point to his leadership as a factor in the Stars’ sustained competitiveness, noting that his consistency on the ice often sets the tone for younger teammates. As the next season approaches, the conversation around a potential Norris Trophy nomination is already taking shape, suggesting that his upward trajectory may continue.