MIRO-CLE MAN
DESPITE THE CALDER SNUB, DALLAS DEFENSEMAN MIRO HEISKANEN MAY PROVE TO BE THE YEAR’S TOP ROOKIE.
A year from now, most people will have completely forgotten that Miro Heiskanen was not among the three finalists for the 2019 Calder Trophy.
Because he’ll be in the running for the 2020 Norris Trophy.
at was the assessment of one Western Conference executive a er watching the rookie defender shine for the Dallas Stars in this year’s playoffs.
Hyperbolic? Maybe. e Norris, like many of the league’s seasonend awards, is o en tilted by reputation as much as achievement. And at 19, the Finnish phenom is only beginning to paint that picture for the voters.
But those who watch him closely see something truly special happening in Dallas.
“I think [the Calder voters] forgot he was a rookie because he doesn’t play like one,” the executive said. “He’s an absolute horse out there. A stud. I love [Rasmus] Dahlin, but he went through a lot of growing pains. Not Heiskanen. ere are no rough edges to his game. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone out there better. “Watch him get into the Norris mix next season. Just watch.”
e Stars, who already dress a pair of elite defensemen in John Klingberg and Esa Lindell, took advantage of some lottery luck to land Heiskanen with the No. 3 choice in the 2017 NHL Dra . Although he was ready in the eyes of many scouts to make an immediate jump to the Dallas blueline, he chose to stay home for another year. He made the most of the time, skating for Finland at the 2018 World Junior Championships, Olympic Games and World Championships.
ough he was just 18, he made an immediate impression on his more experienced teammates.
“e way he skates, the way he handles the puck and sees the ice...he can play these games,” Finnish captain Mikael Granlund told SI.com a er the Worlds.“He’s got a great career ahead of him.”
As the hype grew, there was talk that Heiskanen might be sacrificed in an effort to land Ottawa’s superstar blueliner Erik Karlsson. But Stars GM Jim Nill gambled instead on the long-term potential of the youngster over the vet.
at bet quickly paid off. Heiskanen led all rookies in average time on ice (23:07) while playing in all 82 games. He topped first-year defensemen in goals (12) and shots on goal (182), while his 33 points trailed only behind Dahlin. He was one of just two freshmen, along with Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson, to appear in the All-Star Game, and became just the fourth player in franchise history to be earn an All-Rookie Team selection.
Outside of a deeper playoff run – the Stars lost to eventual Stanley Cup champion St. Louis in the second round – things couldn’t have gone much better for Heiskanen. And while Calder voters missed that fact, collectors didn’t. His Upper Deck Young Guns RC has been a fixture of the Hot List since release, and his other singles have been consistent sellers. As we wait for what should be an explosive debut in 2018-19 e Cup, here’s a look at 10 Heiskanen cards you can affordably purchase...for now, anyway.
01 2018-19 Upper Deck Canvas #C101
As an alternative to the ubiquitous Young Guns RC, you wonʼt find one better than this. The Canvas parallels are driven both by relative scarcity and a demand from set builders, ensuring high demand.
02 2018-19 SP Authentic #191
Alright, so thatʼs an exceptionally low-energy signature, but the cache of the Future Watch subset and the limited nature of the inscription that references his NHL debut makes this variation a must-own.
03 2018-19 OPC Platinum Parallels #175
There are nearly two dozen variations to Heiskanenʼs OPCP RC, including this striking Orange Checkers version. Limited print runs ensure they wonʼt be cheap, but each one makes for a worthy acquisition.
04 2018-19 Upper Deck Silver Foil #246
While his standard YG card is attracting all the attention, the ePacksexclusive Silver Foil parallel is an under-the-radar ace. Theyʼre not just tough to find, but almost impossible in premium condition.
05 2018-19 Upper Deck Engrained #85
This recently released single visually benefits from the unique woodgrain design, but the edges appear to be highly susceptible to chipping. Best to examine carefully before making a purchase.
06 2018-19 Black Diamond #BDRMH
Black Diamond often gets overlooked by collectors, much the way movies released in the spring are forgotten by Oscar voters. This then might be one of his best values, with a print run limited to just 99.
07 2018-19 Upper Deck Ice #146
Another RC limited to just 99 copies, this one was routinely topping $200 as the season wound down. It boasts an eye-catching design, but itʼs that print run that will keep it at the top of want lists.
08 2018-19 SPx Shadow Box Rookies #31
The Shadow Box design was one of Upper Deckʼs greatest innovations over the past decade, delivering a look thatʼs incredibly high end and instantly recognizable. Watch out for edge damage, though.
09 2018-19 Exquisite Collection Platinum Rookies #R6
Itʼs a simple, straightforward single that often gets overlooked because of that /299 print run. With copies available for less than $10 online, itʼs a card that fits in every collection.
10 2018-19 O-Pee-Chee Coast To Coast Transparent Rookies #CCR6
This yearʼs Coast To Coast release was packed to the gills with value, surprises and fun. The Transparent RCs were among our favorite pulls, thanks to the sharp design and short print run.