Dallas Stars: Dillon Heatherington Contract Maps Out Immediate Future

The Dallas Stars signed RFA Dillon Heatherington on Monday afternoon. With the one-year deal in place, there are a few different ways that the Stars might use the defenseman next year.

It can be difficult being a prospect in the Dallas Stars system at times.

Ever since GM Jim Nill took over as general manager of the team in 2013, the Stars have taken most summers by the horns. Dallas finds a way to land a superstar or big name via the trade market or through free agency more often than not with each passing offseason. Each move is an attempt to better the team and get them out of an inconsistent slump that has held them out of the postseason for eight of the past ten years.

But while these additions, whether big or small, do help the team in various ways, it comes at a price. As the team continually brings in talent from around the league to fill their holes, the Dallas prospects are left with an uphill battle to climb.

And yes, there is a point to be made that these signings help increase the competitiveness to make the Dallas Stars roster. But at the same time, it creates a certain logjam that prospects have to try and get over. Even when they are performing at their best, there still may not be a spot on the roster.

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Dillon Heatherington might be on his way to learning this lesson.

After being traded to the Stars by Columbus in exchange for Lauri Korpikoski at the 2017 trade deadline, Heatherington sunk into a new groove. He was 21 at the time and needed a change of scenery.

The Stars gave him that change. Going into the 2017-18 season, Heatherington assumed a top role with the Texas Stars in the AHL. He’s a physical presence, standing at 6’4 and weighing in at 215 pounds. The second-round pick from 2013 is a shutdown presence on the blue line and uses his size to create issues for the opposition. He’s not known for being an offensive presence, but embraces his skills on the defensive side.

He embraced the role in a good way and eventually became a staple on the top pairing. In 55 games, he logged three goals and 17 points along with a +6 rating.

His competitive spirit and production also earned him a spot in Dallas for a short period. Heatherington made his NHL debut against his former team in late January. He ended up playing six games with the Dallas Stars, tallying one assist and a +3 rating along with seven hits and two fights.

It was an impressive debut overall, though it was short-lived.

As the offseason began and Heatherington’s play continued to stand out in the Texas Stars’ run to the Calder Cup Final, talks began to arise that he might be the next full-time defender in Dallas.

The Stars cut ties with UFA Dan Hamhuis, leaving a spot open on the left side. Miro Heiskanen was expected to be an immediate call up, leaving the “seventh man” role open. It looked to be Heatherington’s spot to lose.

But Nill spent part of his July 1 signing veteran right-handed defenseman Roman Polak to a one-year deal. Polak is right-handed but plays a similar style to Heatherington and is expected to be the seventh man to start the year.

Furthermore, Heatherington became a restricted free agent and signed a new deal with the Dallas Stars earlier in the week. It’s a one-year, two-way contract worth $650,000 (NHL) or $85,000 (AHL), depending on the league he plays in.

Considering it’s a two-way deal, the initial assumption is that Heatherington will be spending next season in Cedar Park, at least to start things off. His new contract carries a lower AAV at the NHL level than his entry-level deal did, but also boasts a higher minors salary.

By the looks of it, Dillon Heatherington might be gearing up for another year of AHL hockey. That’s likely a disappointment to the Dallas Stars fans who believed he was ready for the NHL after his short stint last season. But it’s not the end of the world.

For the time being, Heatherington will likely serve as the “eighth man” and be the first call up in case of an injury. He will have the 2018-19 season to further develop his skills and prove his NHL readiness.

A one-year deal gives the Stars options going forward with the young defender. But it can also be a dangerous game to play with prospects who are close to being NHL-ready.

Next: What To Watch For Through Rest Of Stars' Offseason

For now, though, Dallas has Heatherington as an option and can use him in the best possible way. The contract is a good one and gives them the 2018-19 season to further contemplate his future. He may see significant time in the NHL, or he may not. Only time will tell.

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