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The case for giving Miro Heiskanen a couple games off

By Mahima Masih

VANCOUVER, CANADA - MARCH 14: Miro Heiskanen #4 of the Dallas Stars waits for a face-off during the second period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 14, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, CANADA - MARCH 14: Miro Heiskanen #4 of the Dallas Stars waits for a face-off during the second period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 14, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images) /
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Miro Heiskanen usually makes a strong case for being the Dallas Stars’ most valuable player on any given night. His ice time reflects this. Aside from his rookie season where he ranked third on the team, Heiskanen has led all Stars skaters in average time on ice (ATOI).

That has been steadily increasing. Heiskanen always comes in clutch and can be used as a crutch, and I’ve run out of words that start with ‘c’ and end with —utch’. His ATOI increased from last season’s 24:53 to 25:37 so far this season.

Season              ATOI

2018-2019      23:07

2019-2020      23:46

2020-2021      24:58

2021-2022      24:53

2022-2023      25:37

One reason for the nearly one-minute increase could be the overall unstable nature of the defense. John Klingberg was an offensive advantage in previous seasons. Now, Heiskanen is the only viable offensive threat unless the coaching staff frees Nils Lundkvist from his 1-mistake-and-you’re-benched prison.

It’s not that Miro Heiskanen isn’t capable of the increased time. He absolutely is. He has set a new career high in points (nearly double his previous high) and set a franchise record for defensemen with his 12-game point streak. But with the playoffs looming ever closer, there are a few factors to keep in mind.

The Stars have eight games left until the playoffs start. Heiskanen’s ATOI in this last quarter of the season has been 26:06. His average time on ice in the previous chunks of the season is shown below and shows a steady upward trend.

First Quarter: 24:49

Second Quarter: 25:47

Third Quarter: 25:58

Fourth Quarter: 26:06

Heiskanen is undeniably one of Dallas’ star players and the “IT factor” of the defense. With the strength of the schedule improving in the final stretch — only two games are against current playoff teams — it will become easier to rest Heiskanen for when he’s most needed in the first round.

It also gives the Stars time for a final push in figuring out the rest of the defense. They should give Lundkvist room for error and figure out pairings with him in the mix. They need to dial back their insistence on using Ryan Suter this much.

Regardless, Heiskanen should be able to take it a bit easy so he can perform in the playoffs to the degree he’s shown himself capable of doing.

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