Stars sign defenseman Miro Heiskanen to eight-year contract extension

FRISCO, Texas -- Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the club has signed defenseman Miro Heiskanen to an eight-year contract extension, which will run through the 2028-29 season. The eight-year contract is worth $67,600,000 million with an annual average value (AAV) of $8,450,000.

Heiskanen, 21, recorded 27 points (8-19=27) in 55 regular-season games during the 2020-21 campaign. He finished the season ranked 9th in the NHL with a career-high 24:58 of ice time per game. Heiskanen was also tied for 13th among League defensemen and led Stars blueliners with eight goals, while he ranked second among club defensemen with 19 assists and 27 points. Additionally, he shared 10th among NHL blueliners, paced Stars defensemen and was tied for fourth among all club skaters with a career-high three power play goals. Heiskanen was tied for fourth on the Stars with 52 blocked shots and logged a career-high 47 hits in 2020-21.

Heiskanen has posted 95 points (28-67=95) in 205 career NHL regular-season games, all as a member of the Stars. The blueliner has also skated in 40 career postseason contests over two trips to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, recording 30 points (8-22=30). He currently ranks fourth among defensemen in franchise history in postseason goals (8), ranks seventh in assists (22) and points (30), and is tied for 15th in games played (40). Heiskanen has appeared in one NHL All-Star Game (2018-19) and was named to the 2018-19 NHL All-Rookie Team.

"We are excited to announce that we have signed Miro to a long-term contract," said Nill. "Since joining us, it has been clear that Miro is part of a collection of young, rising stars that are now playing in the National Hockey League. As an organization, we truly feel that Miro has just scratched the surface of his ability and will be in the Norris Trophy discussion for years to come. On behalf of Tom Gagliardi, his family, and our organization, we want to thank Miro for his commitment to the team and we all look forward to watching him as he continues to evolve into one of the elite players of the game."

The defenseman has also made several appearances on the international stage with Team Finland. Heiskanen helped Finland win the gold medal at the 2016 World U18 Championship. He also propelled Team Finland to the silver medal with at the 2017 World U18 Championship with 12 points (2-10=12) in seven contests. Heiskanen's 10 assists ranked first among all tournament skaters, while he paced all defensemen with 12 points and a +8 rating to be named to the tournament All-Star Team and win the Best Defenseman award. Additionally, he has made two appearances at the World Junior Championship, one appearance at the World Championship and one appearance in the Olympics, all with Team Finland.

"It feels great to get this done," said Heiskanen. "Of course there is a lot of work to be done and we're very motivated to get back on the ice. It is very exciting to be a part of what Jim and his staff are building, and it's important to reward them for the trust they've shown with this long-term commitment."

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound native of Espoo, Finland, was originally selected by Dallas in the first round (3rd overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft.