Dallas Stars: Assessing Both Sides Of A Potential Erik Karlsson Trade
By Josh Clark
To Not Go For Karlsson
On the other half of the Stars Twitterverse, we have those who think Dallas should avoid the trade based on what the team would have to give up.
In the reported negotiations, the Senators are pushing to get Miro Heiskanen in return. The Stars selected Heiskanen at third overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, where he was considered the best defender available. He seemed like a solid add at that point, but sent his potential through the roof this past season while playing in Liiga (Finland’s top league).
There, the 18-year-old set all sorts of records. First off, he made the Liiga All-Star Team. Secondly, he led the entire league in time on ice with an average of 25:06 skated per game. He was also named the top defenseman in the league… at the age of 18. This is a league primarily composed of players in the same age range as the NHL, which makes it even more impressive.
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Heiskanen scored 11 goals and tallied 23 points in 30 games with HIFK last season. That’s as a defender, which is incredible.
He had a season that any 18-year-old would be lucky to have. And that’s exactly why the Dallas Stars need to keep him.
Too long has this team put their faith in free agent signings and trade acquisitions that have already developed elsewhere. It works to an extent, but gives the team less time with the talent.
But on the other hand, they could very well have 20 years with Heiskanen. Some will make the argument that Heiskanen is a top-end prospect, he isn’t “proven” like Karlsson. But I would venture to say that what he accomplished in the top league in Finland as an 18-year-old is considered “proven.”
This is the Stars’ first chance in a while to finally get a first-round draft pick right. After multiple years of reaching for a top prospect, Heiskanen looks like a surefire add and a game-changing piece to the future of their blue line. Why would you trade that away?
He possesses many of the same qualities as Karlsson, being a dominant skater and using his all-out offensive abilities. Trading away an 18-year-old for a 28-year-old that may not even be in Dallas next summer due to his contract situation seems radical and inefficient.
Heiskanen will, however, be in Dallas next season and could wear a Stars uniform until 2035 or later. Doesn’t that sound much better?
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Whether it’s trading Heiskanen and assets or just Heiskanen straight up, it shouldn’t be done. He’s too valuable of a piece.
When talking about his offseason moves on Sunday afternoon, Nill continuously brought up Heiskanen’s name as a major in-house addition and raved about is skills and performance.
“But in the end, we’re talking about adding some pretty good pieces,” said Nill. “You start adding Miro Heiskanen, who’s maybe the best young prospect in the world right now, we’re adding some major pieces.”
Does a general manager who calls one of their players the “best young prospect in the world” really want to trade that player away three days later? How would that look on the organization? Probably not so good.
If there is a chance that the Stars can land Karlsson without including Heiskanen, then by all means they should take it. But that doesn’t seem to be the case, at least at the moment.
Heiskanen is proving to be a generational talent and just didn’t seem to have an off switch last season. He can play in just about any situation and provide defensive smarts along with offensive explosiveness. Why wouldn’t you want to see what the 18-year-old can do in Victory Green next year? The Stars can trade for Karlsson, but Ottawa can’t have Heiskanen. That possibility should be miles off the table.
As you can tell, there are solid arguments to both sides. Both sides of Stars fans are passionate in their stance and believe it is the best option. And that’s exactly why they aren’t the ones making the decision. Jim Nill is.
There’s a chance that Dallas passes on Karlsson, Heiskanen joins the NHL and becomes an elite defender almost immediately, and all who are for a Karlsson trade look silly. But there is the chance that they let him slip through their fingers and Heiskanen becomes a bit of a project with the league change. Take your pick.
It’s been reported that the Senators are pushing for Heiskanen but Nill won’t budge and is trying other offers. So, at least half of Stars nation is happy right now.
Next: The Stars May Just Be Getting Started With Their Offseason
But at least for now, you know the other side’s argument in addition to your own. Use it wisely in debate over the next few hours or days as we await the final word. Happy Fourth.