Stars hold on to 3rd pick, draft defenseman Miro Heiskanen

The Dallas Stars selected defenseman Miro Heiskanen with the third overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.

Miro Heiskanen

Position: Defense
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 174 lbs
Age: 17
Club: HIFK Helsinki (SM-liiga)
Nationality: Finland

It's always tough to evaluate a 17-year-old kid who played professionally with men. However, it's clear that Heiskanen is a smooth skater, positionally sound, and is very poised with the puck on his stick. He isn't flashy by any stretch. He doesn't wow offensively, though there is some potential based on his skating and creativity with the puck. He is surprisingly physical for a defenseman of his size, though it remains to be seen if that will carry over at the next level.

n elite two-way defenceman in the making, Miro Heiskanen has a toolbox bursting at the seams. Very smooth skater whose general agility and athleticism is excellent and on display every shift. A confident puck-mover with no issues running a play himself and starting a transition up-ice. Solid creativity and impressive puck skills. Always makes the high percentage play and doesn't put teammates in dangerous or vulnerable positions. Willingness to play a physical game is not an issue, as he is often seen throwing the body. Defensively very diligent and proactive, keeping the opposition to the outside and cutting off open and common lanes. - Elite Prospects.