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The Dallas Stars have signed an eight-year, $ 67.6 million contract with restricted free agent defenseman Miro Heiskanen, general manager Jim Nill announced on Saturday.
The deal ties Heiskanen to the Stars throughout the 2028-2029 season.
Only five NHL defensemen count more in the salary cap next season than Heiskanen’s $ 8.45 million cap. The deal could set the bar high for other restricted free agent defenders like Colorado’s Cale Makar and Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes this year and Boston’s Charlie McAvoy next year.
“We are delighted to announce that we have signed a long term contract with Miro,” Nill said in a statement. “Since joining us, it’s clear that Miro is part of a group of young rising stars who are now playing in the National Hockey League. As an organization, we really think Miro has just scratched the surface of his abilities and been part of the Norris Trophy discussion for years to come. “
Heiskanen shined in the Stars’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2020. He went on to register eight goals and 19 assists in 55 games last season while placing ninth in the NHL in ice time per game at 24:58.
He has 28 goals and 67 assists in 205 career regular-season games and 30 points (8 goals, 22 assists) in 40 playoff games.
The Finnish defenseman, who was the third overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, will celebrate his 22nd birthday on Sunday.
“It’s great to do this,” Heiskanen said in a statement. “Of course there is a lot of work to be done and we are very motivated to get back on the ice. It’s very exciting to be a part of what Jim and his staff are building, and it’s important to reward them for the confidence they’ve shown with this long-term commitment. “
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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