Emil Heineman’s Unexpected Journey to the Islanders: What This Trade Means for His NHL Future
EAST MEADOW, NY — Meeting Emil Heineman in person for the first time at Anders Lee’s Jam Kancer in the Kan event was a real eye-opener. Here’s a guy who’s just 23 but has already navigated a whirlwind rookie NHL season with all its highs and lows — including a setback due to a car accident in Seattle that definitely threw a wrench in his momentum. Before that, Heineman was lighting it up with 10 goals and seven assists over 37 games, only to hit a rough patch afterward, barely registering points down the stretch and in the playoff series against the Washington Capitals. Now, freshly minted as a New York Islander, the Swedish forward seems fired up and ready to carve out his space on Long Island. The buzz around the Isles’ new GM, Mathieu Darche, and the big trade involving Noah Dobson paints an intriguing backdrop for Emil’s next chapter. Curious about his journey, mindset, and thoughts on this new adventure? Dive into our exclusive chat with one of the Islanders’ freshest faces — you won’t want to miss it. LEARN MORE.
EAST MEADOW, NY — Former Montreal Canadiens forward and current New York Islanders forward Emil Heineman spoke with us for the first time at Anders Lee’s Jam Kancer in the Kan event on Saturday.
The 23-year-old is coming off his rookie NHL season, a tale of two halves after a car accident in Seattle put a damper on a productive start to his NHL career.
Heineman had 10 goals and seven assists for 17 points in 37 games before just one assist over the final 25 games — he added one goal in their five-game playoff series against the Washington Capitals.
The Swede is really excited to be on Long Island. Here’s our interview with one of the newest Islanders:
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were traded?
Emil Heineman: “My agent called around five o’clock Swedish time, because there had been some rumors going around. He just wanted to give me a heads up. I was like, ‘Alright.’ I actually went to a soccer game back home, and during that time, I started checking out New York a little bit—where everything is. But then I had to remind myself, ‘Hey, it hasn’t happened yet,’ so I calmed down.
When they finally called, I was like, ‘Alright, here we go.’ I saw it on Twitter too, so I kind of knew it was coming. But once it happened, I was really excited. It’s a new adventure for me and my girlfriend, so we’re both looking forward to it.”
Q: Mathieu Darche said you had to be included in the deal. What does it mean to know he wanted you?
Heineman: “Obviously, it means a lot to me to have that kind of confidence shown in me. It makes me even more excited to be here. Like I said, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Q: Looking back, how do you reflect on last season?
Heineman: “Last year, honestly, I didn’t think or even know if I would make the team. I just came into camp, gave it everything, and saw where it would take me. After a while, you start to feel more comfortable in the league. It was tough when I had that break in the middle, but overall, I’m proud of what I brought last year.
I really learned how to play in the NHL, and more importantly, how to stay in the league—how to show up every day and be consistent. For this year, I’m excited to take the next step. It’s a new team and a new system, but I want to bring my 200-foot game, help the team in any way I can, and be as useful as possible.
Q: Did you know anyone on the team before coming to New York, and how has the transition been so far?
Heineman: “All the guys have been unreal. It’s been so easy to get into the group. I’ve only been here about a week, but the transition has been smooth. The only guy I’d played with before was Simon—we played World Juniors together. Having him here made things easier, just to ask for help with little things like the apartment. Other than that, Adam Boqvist is from a place really close to me, so I’ve had that connection too.”
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