NHL Network places Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley on its list of top NHL defensemen

NHL Network has ranked Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley among the NHL's top 20 defensemen, proving the Dallas Stars' blue line is among the best.

The Dallas Stars are already known for their deep forward group, but NHL Network's latest rankings show their defensive core is just as impressive.

In the list of the top 20 defensemen across the league, both Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley secured spots, adding to earlier recognition for Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen among the NHL's best wingers.

According to NHL.com, Harley landed at No. 14, just ahead of Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore, while Heiskanen was ranked No. 4, behind only Zach Werenski, Quinn Hughes, and Cale Makar.

This recognition highlights that Dallas now has star power spread across every position, from forwards to defense to goaltending.

Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley are one of the NHL's best young defensive pairings

Harley had a breakout 2024-25 season that confirmed his potential as a rising star. He finished with 50 points in 78 games, averaged over 23 minutes per night, and added 110 blocked shots. He also stepped up when Heiskanen was sidelined by a knee injury, showing maturity and poise beyond his years.

"Harley proved that his first season in the NHL was no fluke,"

Heiskanen, at just 26, continues to be the cornerstone of Dallas's blue line. Despite missing nearly half the season with injury, he averaged 25:10 in ice time and tallied 25 points in 50 games. As Puck Prose noted, his return for the playoffs was a major reason the Stars pushed to the Western Conference Final.

Together, Heiskanen and Harley represent one of the most balanced and dynamic defensive duos in the league. With both in their prime, the Stars' blue line could very well be the foundation of another Stanley Cup run in 2025-26.

I think if both stay healthy, Dallas has as good a chance as anyone to represent the West in the Final.