Miro Heiskanen
Position: Defenseman
Current Team: HIFK, Swedish Liiga
Date of Birth: July 7, 1999
Place of Birth: Espoo, Finland
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 174 lbs
Shoots: Left
Miro Heiskanen is a young (he won’t turn 18 until this July) defenseman who could, in several years, contribute on the back end of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has the skillset and skating ability to one day be a force as a two way defenseman in the NHL. He is ranked 4th among European Skaters by NHL Central Scouting, and ranks among the top 15 prospects available in other scouting rankings.
Heiskanen rarely plays out of position and, though he is small right now, will likely grow and fill out his frame. He has two years left on his contract with HIFK in the Swedish Liiga, allowing him time to develop overseas in much the way Gabriel Carlsson did for the Columbus Blue Jackets before coming to North America.
Though Heiskanen registered just 5-5-10 in 37 games last season, his offensive skills are there. Remember, he’s only 17 years old, playing in Sweden’s pro league. At the World Junior Championships for U-18 players, Heiskanen registered 2-10-12 in 7 games played.
Heiskanen could add to the Blue Jackets’ depth on the blue line should he fall in the draft. A team can never have enough skilled defensemen in the pipeline.