Dallas Stars Defenseman Miro Heiskanen Challenged to Become Offensive Threat

Fans want to see Heiskanen emulate former Stars great Sergei Zubov's scoring prowess.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The article discusses Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen and the desire for him to take his game to the next level by becoming more of an offensive threat, similar to former Stars great Sergei Zubov. The author believes Heiskanen has the potential to score more goals and contribute more offensively, which would make the Stars a more dangerous team heading into the playoffs.

Why it matters

Heiskanen is a key part of the Dallas Stars' core and improving his offensive production could be a difference-maker for the team as they look to make a deep playoff run. The author sees Heiskanen as capable of emulating the scoring touch of Zubov, who was an elite two-way defenseman for the Stars.

The details

The author acknowledges Heiskanen's strong defensive play and overall contributions to the Stars, but believes he can take his game to another level by becoming more of a scoring threat. The author wants to see Heiskanen firing more pucks on net and contributing more goals, especially on the power play and at even strength. This, the author argues, would make the Stars a more formidable opponent in the playoffs.

  • The Stars are heading into the Winter Olympics break.
  • The author wants to see Heiskanen's offensive production increase after the break.

The players

Miro Heiskanen

A defenseman for the Dallas Stars who has played a key role for the team during his tenure with the organization.

Sergei Zubov

A former Dallas Stars defenseman who is considered one of the best two-way defensemen in the team's history and had his number retired by the organization.

Jim Nill

The general manager of the Dallas Stars.

Artemi Panarin

A star forward who was recently traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Los Angeles Kings.

Glen Gulutzan

The head coach of the Dallas Stars.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm not asking him to go on a massive goal-scoring streak to finish the regular season. However, I would like to see him on the score sheet as a goal scorer as the Stars enter the final stretch of games after the Winter Olympics.”

— The author (blackoutdallas.com)

“If the Stars want to go deep into the Stanley Cup Playoffs later this year, Dallas needs goals from anyone.”

— The author (blackoutdallas.com)

“I think every fan is waiting to see whether the Stars will enter the Olympic break with a six-game winning streak. That would undoubtedly be the momentum that will cause Jim Nill to make a trade after today's announcement that Artemi Panarin is going to the Los Angeles Kings for a cheap change.”

— The author (blackoutdallas.com)

What’s next

The author believes the Stars need Heiskanen to step up his offensive production after the Winter Olympics break in order to be a true threat in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The takeaway

Miro Heiskanen has the potential to become an elite two-way defenseman in the mold of former Stars great Sergei Zubov, but the author believes he needs to take his offensive game to the next level in order to help the Stars make a deep playoff run.