One of the top defensemen in the 2017 NHL entry draft went to the Dallas Stars, who used the No. 3 overall pick on Miro Heiskanen, a smooth-skating defenseman from Finland.
NHL draft 2017: Dallas Stars select Miro Heiskanen with the No. 3 overall pick
Heiskanen is arguably the draft’s best defenseman.
Heiskanen is the first defenseman off the board, coming after the Devils picked Nico Hischier and the Flyers selected Nolan Patrick. He gives the Stars a potential impact defenseman who could transform the blue line of a team that already has premier forwards in Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin.
Possibly the best defenseman in the draft, Heiskanen is a puck-mover with good vision and a knack for making the right pass or move to execute zone exits. At 6’0, Heiskanen isn’t the biggest guy in his own end, but his strong stickwork makes up for it in the corners.
Unlike others in the draft, Heiskanen won’t “wow” you with his offensive prowess. But he’s safe, reliable and efficient, especially for a player at his age.
Heiskanen had 10 points in 37 games skating with HIFK in Finland’s top pro hockey league. He’ll likely join HIFK again next year unless he makes the Stars out of training camp.
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