According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman: “Hearing DAL and Miro Heiskanen closing in on long-term extension. 8 years, north of $8M.” The deal was confirmed not long after by the Stars organization. It’s a massive contract and the question will be, is it a deal that comes to be seen as too pricey? Or, is this a bargain when you look at what the player has the potential to do?
Since Heiskanen already has three accrued seasons under his belt, 2025-26 is projected to be his first UFA year. The Stars have therefore bought four RFA years and four UFA years, partially explaining the contract terms. This permitted Heiskanen to receive a no-movement clause for the final four years of the contract.
Matthew DeFranks of the Dallas Morning News broke down the contract:
2021-22: $5MM (including $3MM signing bonus)
2022-23: $7MM
2023-24: $10MM
2024-25: $11MM
2025-26: $11MM, NMC
2026-27: $9MM, NMC
2027-28: $8MM, NMC
2028-29: $6.6MM, NMC
The release issued by the team stated: “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.”
This is a big contract, but one that could pay off well for the Stars down the line. What looks expensive now, might look like a good value for the Stars before the deal is over. Heiskanen has all the tools to be an elite defenseman in the NHL, yet some wonder if there’s something missing that puts him over the top in terms of being discussed as one of the games best blueliners.
Just 21 years old, he 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.
He tied for 13th among NHL defensemen and led Stars blueliners with eight goals, while he ranked second among club defensemen with 19 assists and 27 points. He blocks shots, lays in hits and can play special teams. He’s posted 95 points (28-67=95) in 205 career NHL regular-season games, all as a member of the Stars.
Does This Set a Market For Defensemen?
The dominos that fall from this deal could be very interesting to watch. What does the Heiskanen contract do for players like UFA Dougie Hamilton or Cale Makar? What does it mean for a player like Darnell Nurse who is currently negotiating with the Edmonton Oilers? What about Quinn Hughes in Vancouver? Each situation is a little different, but you know players and their respective agents are paying attention.
This contract might have set a bar for young defenseman around the NHL.
Next: Insider Believes Adam Larsson Will Test Free Agency, $5M x 5 on Table
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