This type of publicity, which has led to virtually every member of the hockey media digging up their take on the teen, puts an extreme microscope on Heiskanen’s rookie season. It’s one thing to get judged as a first-round pick, it’s another to bear the expectations that accompany being considered too good to be moved for a generational talent.
“I don’t think it’s going to matter, he’s not going to care who’s watching, he’s just going to be (the Stars) second-best defender by December and the best one by the end of his second NHL season,” a European-based NHL scout said. “He’s the best prospect in Europe. (Rasmus) Dahlin will be more exciting, but Heiskanen is better overall in my view.”