Emil Heineman earns top line look as NY Islanders training camp rolls on

When the Islanders traded Noah Dobson this summer, one of the pieces they received in return was Emil Heineman, a 23-year-old Swedish winger known for his speed and offensive upside. In the weeks since training camp opened, Heineman has wasted little time making an impression. On Sunday, he was rewarded with a look on what could become the Islanders’ top line, skating alongside Bo Horvat and Jonathan Drouin.

For a young forward trying to carve out a full-time NHL role, that’s no small assignment. “It’s been really smooth,” Heineman said. “The guys have been awesome welcoming me here. Playing with Bo and Jonathan, they’re such good players. I just try to use my strengths to help them and always be ready because the puck can come when you don’t expect it.”

Heineman has shown the versatility that made him an attractive piece in the Dobson deal. His ability to play fast, forecheck hard, and finish when given opportunities has stood out in scrimmages and early preseason action. Head coach Patrick Roy has praised the winger’s adaptability, noting that his skating and puck skills allow him to fit in with high-end linemates.

“The guys have been awesome welcoming me here,” Heineman said after Sunday’s skate about his early days on Long Island. “It makes things a lot easier. The system is pretty similar to what I’ve played before, just a few tweaks, so it hasn’t been too bad.”

The chance to skate next to Horvat and Drouin at practice signals the Islanders are willing to see if Heineman can provide an offensive spark. While there’s no guarantee he begins the regular season in that spot, the trust is notable. “Day by day,” Heineman said of the opportunity. “Make a good practice, be ready for the next day, and we’ll see where it goes.”

For fans, Heineman represents both the risk and promise of the Dobson trade. If he continues to impress, the deal could quickly be reframed as the move that delivered the Islanders a top-six fixture for years to come.