Heiskanen may miss first round of playoffs

Miro Heiskanen, the top defenseman for the Dallas Stars, may miss the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Coach Pete DeBoer stated on Tuesday that Heiskanen’s return is uncertain. Heiskanen has been sidelined since January 28 due to a left knee injury. He had surgery on February 4, and doctors estimated he would need 3-4 months to recover. This season, Heiskanen has 25 points in 50 games, leading the team in ice time. DeBoer said there is a chance the Stars will need to reach the Western Conference Second Round before Heiskanen can return. The team has lost its last two games and currently holds a strong position in the Central Division. Dallas is 10-4-2 without Heiskanen. However, some of those losses have come against tough opponents like the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets. The Stars are also addressing injuries to other key players. Forward Tyler Seguin, who had hip surgery in December, is expected to return in time for the playoffs. Seguin had performed well earlier in the season with 20 points in 19 games. The Stars recently made trades to bolster their roster. They brought in defenseman Cody Ceci and forward Mikael Granlund in February, and forward Mikko Rantanen on March 7. Dallas will finish its regular season on April 16 against the Nashville Predators. DeBoer is optimistic about Seguin’s recovery, saying he is skating well and working hard to get back on the ice.