

Zach Werenski signed a three-year, $15 million bridge deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, which was nearly identical to that of Charlie McAvoy with the Boston Bruins ($14.7 million).

If that is the case, here are the contracts that could be similar to what Heiskanen would receive this summer. Seemingly the smarter option for both sides would be to sign a short-term deal and wait on the large, long-term payout. This would leave him somewhere between the $8.5 and $9 million annual salary, which seems fitting for his impact on the ice. Josi signed an eight-year, $72.4 million deal that included a $34 million signing bonus. More realistically, Heiskanen would see his contract nearing that of Roman Josi with the Nashville Predators.

MIRO DALLAS FREE
It would also allow them to seek further help from potential free agents this offseason if they choose. However, with the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the salary cap, this is no longer a guarantee.įrom the Stars’ perspective, they would most likely benefit from a shorter deal so that they could invest in bringing back key players such as Jamie Oleksiak this summer and John Klingberg next summer. Normally, his play at this point in his career would earn him a large, long-term deal. The two options for the Stars and Heiskanen include a long-term extension that would range from seven to eight years and a shorter bridge deal that would most likely cover three years. While there is no question that the Dallas Stars will re-sign him, there is a question on what type of deal gets done. It is clear that his potential is through the roof, and he will continue to drive his name into the Norris Trophy conversation year after year. Along with the points, he has shown his toughness, missing only two games in his first three seasons, including the playoffs. Heiskanen was a dominant force, tallying 27 points in 28 playoff games, leading the team, and finishing third overall. If the hockey world did not know about the young Finnish defenseman before the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, they certainly found out during the Stars’ run to the Final. He surpassed the 200 game mark this season, and even during a year that saw his production dip, he was often the Stars’ best player once again. In three seasons with the Dallas Stars, he has racked up 28 goals and 95 points. During his young career, he has proven to be an elite defenseman with the potential to be among the best. Miro Heiskanen will become a restricted free agent this summer after his entry-level contract comes to an end.
