Heatherington, 23, split the 2017-18 campaign between Dallas and the Texas Stars (AHL). He appeared in six regular-season NHL games with Dallas, notching one point (0-1=1) and 26 penalty minutes. The blueliner made his NHL debut on Jan. 18 against Columbus, logging two penalty minutes. He also appeared in 55 regular-season games with Texas and registered 17 points (3-14=17) and 47 penalty minutes, while finishing third among team defensemen and seventh among all club skaters with a +6 plus/minus rating. Heatherington also skated in 21 games during the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs and tallied three assists (0-3=3) with 18 penalty minutes.

Video: Heatherington makes debut against Blue Jackets

Heatherington has appeared in 181 regular-season AHL contests with Springfield, Lake Erie/Cleveland and Texas. Over his four AHL seasons, he has recorded 51 points (9-42=51), 148 penalty minutes and a +18 rating. The defenseman has also tallied six points (0-6=6) in 36 career Calder Cup Playoff games.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound native of Calgary, Alberta was originally selected by Columbus in the second round (50th overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft. He was acquired by Dallas via trade in exchange for Lauri Korpikoski on March 1, 2017.