NY Islanders begin training camp expecting Emil Heineman to play important role

The New York Islanders are beginning the 2026-27 season's training camp as the rookies finished up an impressive camp this week. The standouts have been Victor Eklund and Cole Eiserman, especially in the scrimmage against the New Jersey Devils. The main roster will have some question marks entering camp, including what to expect from Emil Heineman.

Acquired from the Montreal Canadians the prior summer in the Noah Dobson trade, Heineman came on the scene with a bang, but tapered off after the calendar changed in January. Scoring 12 of his 22 goals from October to December, Heineman looked to be the steal of the Dobson trade.

The Swedish forward's production faded, like others on the team, as the end of the season came to a close. The team struggled after the trade deadline, and Patrick Roy lost his job. This does not all fall on one individual, but looking ahead, which Heineman will we get this season?

Now, make no mistake, the player the Islanders acquired and saw for one season is far from a completed project. At just 24-years-old, Heineman can grow and evolve his game, but he plays an aggressive, physical game that will never fade. Having an elite shot gives the 6'2 winger a chance to play in a more offensive role.

In many ways, the extent of the Islanders' success could fall on whether Heineman can evolve into a top-line contributor or settle into a checking role with some scoring flair to contribute to the scoring depth.

At the conclusion of this season, Heineman will become a restricted free agent and will be seeking a new contract in excess of his current deal that makes him $1.1 million a year. It is worth noting that fellow Swede Simon Holmstrom will also become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. He is currently making $3.625 million and will command a higher salary after proving himself as a capable two-way forward who can score 20 goals.

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