Greater Long Island coverage is funded in part by Toresco & Simonelli, a boutique injury and family law firm in West Islip. They fight for their clients. Click here to get in touch.
When the Islanders were negotiating with the Montreal Canadiens before the NHL Draft, new general manager Mathieu Darche told head coach Patrick Roy about a player coming their way in the Noah Dobson deal — in addition to two first-round picks.
That player was forward Emil Heineman, and he’s wasting no time making an impression.
The 23-year-old Swede has five goals and one assist in his first seven games, scoring in three straight contests, including two in Thursday night’s 7-2 win over the Red Wings at UBS Arena.
“I didn’t know him very well,” Roy admitted. “The first thing (Darche) said was look out for this guy. He’s only 23 years old and that will be a great addition for our team. Right now, he’s been just impressive to watch.”
In the first period, Heineman took a pass from Bo Horvat and fired it past Detroit goalie Cam Talbot to make it 2-0. Horvat later found him again in the third for the Islanders’ sixth goal.
If you find him, he will score
Through seven games, one thing about Heineman is clear — give him open ice, and he’ll find the net.
“Two really good passes right on the tape,” Heineman told Greater Long Island. “I just stay ready out there because I know they’re able to find it.”
Heineman has been a key factor in the Islanders’ four-game win streak that turned an 0-3 start into a record above .500 heading into Saturday’s matchup in Philadelphia.
“It’s more than that,” Roy said. “It’s how he defends and how quick he’s jumping and finding those open seams for a pass. It’s fun to watch.”
A steal of a deal
Heineman, a 6-foot-2, 204-pound left-handed shot, was originally drafted in the second round by the Florida Panthers in 2020. He’s since been traded multiple times — first to Calgary in the Sam Bennett deal, then to Montreal in the Tyler Toffoli trade.
This summer, he became an Islander — and early returns suggest it’s been a heist for Long Island.
In addition to acquiring Heineman, the Isles used the two first-round picks from Montreal to draft forward Victor Eklund (16th overall) and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson (17th overall) — prospects expected to contribute down the line.
Last season, Heineman posted 10 goals and eight assists in 62 games for the Canadiens, missing time after a wrist injury suffered when he was hit by a car as a pedestrian in Salt Lake City.
“It would be crazy to say that I expected it,” said Heineman, who turns 24 on Nov. 16. “Obviously not, but I’m just trying to take it day by day and play as good as I can. I’m happy with the way we’re playing and we’re starting to create some chemistry too, so it’s nice.”
A great fit on and off the ice
Heineman’s arrival coincided with a new era for the Islanders — Lou Lamoriello’s departure, Darche’s promotion, and the team winning the NHL Draft Lottery to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer first overall.
While Schaefer has energized the fan base, Heineman is quickly becoming a fan favorite himself, thanks to his lethal release.
“I think he’s just playing great hockey,” said Isles captain Anders Lee. “He’s very strong on his skates and he’s got some good speed to get out in his positions. You give him an opportunity to shoot the puck and good things are going to happen.”
“When I got here in August, he came a week later and you could tell how good his shot is,” added defenseman Tony DeAngelo. “He’s getting open and if he gets open and they find him, he’s going to score. A really good start for him.”
Heineman says it’s been an easy transition.
“Mostly I think it’s a good mix,” he said. “We’re bringing a lot of different elements out there. We’re creating a lot for each other and working really hard out there too.”
Feeling right at home on Long Island
Long Island has a way of winning over players who experience it firsthand.
“I think it suits me really well,” said Heineman. “The team has been really welcoming to me and my girlfriend, so it’s been a really smooth transition for us.”
The Leksand native says the area reminds him of home.
“I like the town,” he said. “It’s exactly what I’m used to coming from a smaller town back home, but at the same time you’re able to get to the big city, so it’s a perfect mix.”
As Islanders fans keep scooping up Schaefer 48 jerseys, it might not be long before HEINEMAN 51 sweaters start popping up all over UBS Arena, too.
Top: New York Islanders forward Emil Heineman (#51). Credit: New York Islanders
