EA Sports just revealed Miro Heiskanen's NHL 26 rating, and it might surprise Stars fans

EA Sports has released NHL 26 defenseman ratings, and while Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar sit at the top, Miro Heiskanen once again earns his place among the NHL's elit.

Every summer, EA Sports sparks debates across the hockey world when player ratings drop, and this year is no exception. NHL 26's defenseman ratings were unveiled, with Vancouver's Quinn Hughes and Colorado's Cale Makar tied at the top with 95 overall ratings.

But Dallas Stars fans won't be disappointed. Miro Heiskanen checked in at 91 OVR, putting him seventh overall among defensemen and solidifying his reputation as one of the league's best two-way players.

Heiskanen's steady game may not bring the same flash as Hughes or Makar, but his blend of skating, defensive awareness, and puck-moving makes him one of the most valuable players in the NHL.

Miro Heiskanen stands tall among NHL 26's top defenders

Behind Hughes and Makar, the group chasing includes Zach Werenski, Roman Josi, Victor Hedman, and Rasmus Dahlin, all rated 92. Heiskanen slots in right after them at 91, ahead of stars like Jaccob Slavin, Josh Morrissey, and Adam Fox.

It's another reminder that while Dallas may not get the same national spotlight as markets like Colorado or Vancouver, their cornerstone defenseman belongs in the conversation with the very best.

As ESPN noted, Hughes and Makar headline the list, but Heiskanen's placement reaffirms his standing as one of the most dependable players in the league.

"Heiskanen remains one of the best all-around defensemen in the NHL, capable of logging heavy minutes and excelling at both ends of the ice," the release highlighted.

Dallas has quietly built one of the strongest defensive cores in the NHL, with Heiskanen at the center of it all. Alongside Thomas Harley and Esa Lindell, the Stars have the kind of balance teams crave: skill, size, and responsibility.

I think seeing Heiskanen ranked in the top seven defensemen in NHL 26 is validation for Stars fans. It shows that even if national media sometimes overlooks Dallas, the respect for their top players is still there.