Dallas Stars Get Massive Piece Back In Their Lineup After 3 Weeks

The Dallas Stars have been able to weather the storm of playing without their top defenseman for the past three weeks as Miro Heiskanen is set to return to the lineup for the game against the Anaheim Ducks. Head coach Pete DeBoer confirmed to the media that this would be the case in the morning.

Heiskanen last played on Jan. 4 against the Colorado Avalanche and the team has gone 6-3-1 in his absence. This has allowed young players like Thomas Harley and Nils Lundkvist to thrive in larger roles and it should actually be beneficial for the players and the team in the long run since the record didn't really hurt the Stars.

Heiskanen will assume his spot on the top pairing and on the power play as he is dominant at both ends of the ice. Before his injury, he had four goals and 27 points in 37 games and was in the conversation for the Norris Trophy last season. He should remain there every season moving forward as he is still only 24 years old and has a ton of years left to dominate for the Stars. They are definitely happy to have him back as the Stars are chasing the Winnipeg Jets and the Colorado Avalanche for the division title this season. It is a three horse race at the top of the Central, and whoever wins gets a much easier first round matchup than second and third. Heiskanen will play a big part in the success for the reminder of the season and playoffs.