Emil Heineman Is Having a Sneaky Good Rookie Season

Emil Heineman had some post-draft buzz when the Florida Panthers selected him 43rd overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. He was 6’2” and had good hands and the SHL would be his developmental league. What’s not to like?

When the Canadiens acquired him, I raised an eyebrow. I knew there was still something there and why not get him in a deal and continue to let him develop. He was just 21 when they acquired him and that’s a great time to get a prospect because you can still mold that player especially since Montreal got him and they are the only North American franchise he’s played for.

Heineman came over from the SHL in 2022-23 after scoring 15 points in 38 games with Leksands. Then, with Laval, he had seven goals and two assists in 11 games, and he was scoreless in two playoff games. That was a year to build off.

2023-24, was an even better season for the winger in Laval. He had 15 goals and 14 assists in 48 games. He did get a four-game cup of coffee that season with Montreal. That always helps spark a prospect.

This season has been entirely with the Canadiens. He is being more physical. According to InStat, 51% of his shots are hitting the net and he’s firing off 2.1 shots per game. He can make a nice pass on the power play and can wire his wrist shot. Heineman has a long stick and that helps him get torque on his shot.

He has third-line potential. There’s a chance. But he has to start getting defensive zone starts.