Miro Heiskanen

Heiskanen's long-awaited breakout finally came in 2022-23, as he more than doubled his previous career high in points. The blueliner benefited from quarterbacking the Stars' top power-play unit, where he picked up 34 of his 73 points last season. Entering his age-24 campaign, Heiskanen is no longer just a shutdown defenseman -- he's got enough potential to insert himself in the Norris Trophy conversation this year, especially if his offense can take another step up. He won't add many hits, but he'll chip in plenty of offense and a strong total of blocked shots while hovering near the league lead in ice time. For the 2023-24 campaign, Heiskanen should be a top-10 defenseman off the board in fantasy drafts, even with only one truly outstanding season on his resume.

Heiskanen has been one of the better defensemen in the NHL since the day he arrived in 2018-19. That hasn't led to high-end fantasy production, however. Heiskanen has posted no fewer than 27 points in any single season, including the 36 he finished with in 2021-22, a new career high. The reason Heiskanen is yet to breakout is because John Klingberg was entrenched as Dallas' No. 1 power-play quarterback. Klingberg left for Anaheim in unrestricted free agency this summer, opening the door for the now 23-year-old Heiskanen to take the step forward most have been projecting for quite a while. He's worth reaching for in fantasy drafts this fall.

With a new eight-year deal in tow, Heiskanen could be ready to take another step forward in 2021-22. The defenseman had 27 points in 55 games last season, including 11 points with the man advantage despite often sharing top-unit duties with John Klingberg. In Heiskanen, the Stars have a two-way machine on the blue line. The third overall pick from 2017 possesses elite speed and reads the game well in his own zone, as well as being an asset on offense, although he's yet to have a true scoring breakout in the regular season. Look for the Finn to land between 40 and 50 points while continuing to see plenty of power-play time. He's locked in as a top-four defenseman on the ice, and he could be worth a mid-round pick in fantasy with room to grow in dynasty formats.

Heiskanen eclipsed his rookie-year point total of 33 by notching eight goals and 35 points in just 68 games as a sophomore in 2019-20. The Finn produced seven of his 27 helpers on the power play, where he saw 2:17 of ice time per game. Heading into his third NHL campaign, Heiskanen will have breakout potential. The third overall pick from 2017 possesses smooth skating ability and serious hockey smarts, which could see him challenge a 50-point pace in 2020-21. He should also continue to see his role on the power play grow, and his plus-14 rating from last year shows he's no slacker in his own zone. He likely won't replicate his playoff form, where he had 26 points in 27 contests, but fantasy managers should feel confident investing a mid-round pick to roster Heiskanen.

The slick-skating young Finn made his NHL debut last season and could easily have garnered Calder Trophy consideration with his performance, playing in all 82 games and scoring 12 goals and 33 points. Heiskanen's minus-14 rating highlighted his growing pains, but considering he was taking a regular shift at 19 years old, some hiccups are to be expected. Once he matures, he should be a strong two-way asset for Dallas, using his wheels and passing skills to clear his own zone and his advanced offensive instincts to make an impact at the other end. With John Klingberg entrenched as the team's No. 1 defenseman, Heiskanen can develop at his own pace without having too much responsibility piled on his shoulders, but it may not be long before he and Klingberg form one of the most dynamic blue-line duos in the league.

The third overall pick in the 2017 draft, Heiskanen missed his chance to take part in training camp last year due to a concussion, but he'll cross the Atlantic this September and might never go back to Finland. Still only 19 years old, he's an effortless skater and excellent passer with a dangerous shot who plays with poise in his own end and a killer instinct in the attacking zone. While Heiskanen doesn't have ideal size, he isn't afraid to get physical, and his overall skill set marks him as a future top-four blueliner and two-way asset, if perhaps not quite a true No. 1 defenseman. The Stars have other young offensive defenseman to try and work into the lineup, which could provide Heiskanen with a bit of a speed bump, but if he looks ready in camp don't be surprised if he makes the jump straight to the NHL.

Saddled by the league's second-worst defense last season, the Stars selected Heiskanen third overall in the 2017 draft. He played in Liiga, Finland's top pro league last season and thrived at the tender age of 17. The defensive prospect could someday evolve into a Nick Leddy or Anton Stralman type, but he sustained a concussion late in the summer and is headed back to his native country for at least one more year.