Coach Drops Huge Injury Update On Stars' Miro Heiskanen

The Dallas Stars must be breathing a huge sigh of relief today. After a scaring-looking injury in Thursday night's game against the Colorado Avalanche, there were some concerns at first blush that superstar defenseman Miro Heiskanen could be looking at a long-term absence. But head coach Peter DeBoer said today that the injury is "not terrible" and the top-pairing D-man is "week-to-week."

Pete DeBoer has labeled Miro Heiskanen “week-to-week.”

He said his injury is not “terrible” or season ending and will not require surgery.

— Lia Assimakopoulos (@Lassimak) January 5, 2024

The top blueliner will have more tests done, but will not require surgery, said DeBoer. 

Heiskanen suffered a lower-body injury after crashing into his goalie Scott Wedgewood early in the third period. Heiskanen’s right knee appeared to bend awkwardly, and his entire body was left pinned under Wedgewood' full weight. 

Wedgewood gets run over by Miro Heiskanen#TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/h7g8plDAMP

— HighlightHarbor (@HighlightHarbor) January 5, 2024

How important is Heiskanen to the Stars' defense? At 25:03 minutes per night, he sits fifth in the NHL in average time on ice. He's recorded 27 points in 37 games following his breakout season last year when he racked up 73 points. 

“Obviously, it’s a huge hole,” Dallas center Matt Duchene said. “He’s one of the best defensemen in the league. You lose him, it’s tough, but I think we’ve got the guys back there to step up. It’s next-man-up mentality.”

Thomas Harley will now likely be counted on to quarterback the top power play unit in Heiskanen's absence, and Harley could even be part of a top overtime trio, but make no mistake, those 25+ minutes of their star No. 1 blueliner will be tough to replace, for however long he's out.

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports