ELMONT, NY — Emil Heineman found it hard to believe that he started the season on the right wing of the New York Islanders’ first line alongside Jonathan Drouin and Bo Horvat.
Less than a month away from his 24th birthday, the Swede had been resigned to the Montreal Canadiens’ fourth line for the majority of his first full campaign in the NHL last season, in which he scored 10 goals in 62 games. His production ground to a halt in the second half of the season after he was hit by a car in Utah.
But Islanders first-year general manager Mathieu Darche was adamant in acquiring Heineman in the package from Montreal that also included two first-round draft picks for star defenseman Noah Dobson — an example of the kind of foresight needed to accelerate the Islanders’ re-tooling on the fly that will make them perennial playoff contenders.
In his first eight games as an Islander, Heineman already has five goals — half of last season’s total in roughly one-eighth of the games played — including his first career multi-goal game in Thursday’s 7-2 drubbing of the Detroit Red Wings.
“I remember when we were talking about the trade with Montreal and [Darche], when he made the trade, he said, ‘Look out for this guy. He’s only 23 years old, and he’ll be a great addition to our team,'” Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. “He’s just been impressive to watch.”
Heineman’s game is headlined by a heavy shot, which Darche described during the preseason as “elite.” It’s been on full display while working alongside Horvat, who teed up both of his goals against Detroit with perfect passes for the winger to one-time home.
But there’s significantly more to his game. His 35 hits leads the team to headline a dependable defensive game. His hockey sense has also impressed his head coach.
“It’s how he defends, it’s how quick he’s jumping, and finding those open seams for a pass,” Roy said. “It’s fun to watch.”
The all-around aspects of the game are what fuel Heineman’s renaissance on Long Island.
“You always want to play good for your team, for my teammates,” he said. “I’m still putting in the most effort into how my actual game is. If my actual game is good, I’m playing well, I’m playing solid defensively, and creating. So that’s what I’m looking at more. Then you have to be ready when those kinds of passes come.”
