With back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Final, the Stars may not have gotten the Stanley Cup championship they desire, but they have shown what they have on a stacked roster, and that starts with Heiskanen. The defenseman has proven the past couple of seasons he’s one of the NHL’s best, opening eyes in the biggest of moments. The 25-year-old had 54 points (nine goals, 45 assists) in 71 games last season, down from 73 points in 2022-23, then added 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 19 playoff games, averaging 28:11 of ice time per game in the postseason. But he’s far more than his offensive production, impacting the game in countless ways. He’s become a defenseman to watch for the Norris, and I think this is his year. — Amalie Benjamin, staff writer
