5 things to know about newest NY Islanders forward Emil Heineman

The dust has barely settled from the Noah Dobson trade, but it’s time for fans of the New York Islanders to get to know Emil Heineman, the 23-year-old Swedish forward who came over from Montreal as part of the deal that also brought in picks No. 16 and 17. While those draft selections have the long-term spotlight, Heineman may be ready to contribute now and fill a much-needed role in the Islanders’ bottom six.

Here’s a closer look at five things Isles fans should know:

1. He’s Got NHL Experience — and He’s Ready for More

Heineman played 62 games for the Canadiens last season, finishing with 10 goals and 8 assists. He played limited minutes in a third- and fourth-line role but still made his presence known with energy, forechecking, and timely offense. He was having a strong start to his season when, in January, Heineman was injured after being struck by a vehicle while walking in Salt Lake City. He sustained an upper-body injury—reportedly a wrist fracture—and was sidelined for three to four weeks.

This isn’t a “project” forward. He’s NHL-tested, and at just 23, he’s entering that sweet spot where players start to figure out their role—and maximize it. For an Islanders team seeking forward depth and youth, Heineman brings both.

2. He has been traded ... a lot.

Heineman has had a wild journey. Drafted 43rd overall by Florida in 2020, his NHL rights were traded by the Panthers along with a second-round draft selection in 2002 to the Flames in exchange for forward Sam Bennett and a sixth-round pick in 2022. The following season, he was flipped to Montreal in the Tyler Toffoli deal. Now, he’s on Long Island. Despite being shuffled early, he’s developed steadily through European leagues and the AHL before reaching the NHL. Each team saw value in him—now it’s the Islanders’ turn.

3. He Has a Sniper’s Shot

Heineman’s most noticeable skill? His quick, clean release. He doesn’t need a wind-up to beat goaltenders and finds soft spots in defensive coverage. On the rush or off the cycle, he has a knack for getting shots through traffic. The Isles need more scoring depth from their wings, and Heineman has the tools to chip in double-digit goals with limited ice time. He needs to learn to trust his shot and use it more. If he does that, we could see him score 15-20 goals with the right opportunity.

4. Two-Way Mentality with a Swedish Foundation

Trained in Sweden’s Leksands IF system, Heineman plays a responsible game rooted in structure and positioning. He’s not a flashy playmaker, but he makes smart decisions on both sides of the puck. Coaches love players who can be trusted in all three zones, and Heineman brings that quiet dependability. He represented Sweden at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship and most recently played for the senior Sweden team at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.

5. He Could Be a Sneaky Good Fit on a Line with Pageau

With his pace and forechecking style, Heineman could mesh perfectly with Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Pageau thrives with wingers who drive the play and backcheck hard, and Heineman does both. If he earns a spot out of camp, don’t be surprised to see him slot into a third-line role that lets him play to his strengths while learning from one of the Isles’ most reliable forwards.