Emil Heinemann’s Role with the Islanders in Preseason

Philadelphia – When the Islanders made a trade for Emil Heinemann on draft night, expectations were pretty standard for the Swedish winger. He was seen as a potential fourth-line player, bringing energy, physicality, and speed to the ice.

Initially, it seemed he would fill the roles that Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin held on Long Island.

However, during Thursday’s preseason finale against the Flyers, Heinemann found himself in the top six. This wasn’t just a coincidental shift in the lineup; it was a calculated move contributing to the team’s 4-3 win.

Heinemann may be carving out a spot with the Islanders, who are still exploring various lineup combinations. If he doesn’t start on opening night, he might be a candidate worth considering as the season approaches.

“It’s not merely about skill,” Coach Patrick Roy mentioned before the game. “It’s about more physicality. We need someone who can win battles for the puck and crash the net. I think it’s exciting to have that blend.”

This trial is partly because no other player has definitively claimed a spot on the right wing alongside Bo Horvat. Both Anders Lee and Kyle Palmieri have been fixtures with Matt Barzal, and while the Islanders are inclined to place Jonathan Drouin on Horvat’s left, they’re still testing multiple options on his right.

Max Shabanov, who initially skated in that position, seemed to improve as the preseason progressed but was still figuring out the NHL pace.

Anthony Duclair has also been performing well lately, but there’s an element of uncertainty regarding his trust with Roy. Heinemann might actually offer a better fit, especially given his strong physical presence and shooting ability.

“For me, it’s all about playing the perfect game,” Heinemann stated. “I want to make a real impact on the ice, especially when scoring chances arise. I enjoy it and want to contribute as much as I can.”

With Horvat and Drouin sitting out Thursday’s matchup, Duclair teamed up with Heinemann, leading to a decisive goal at 17:06 in the third period.

“He can fit in anywhere,” Duclair remarked. “He’s incredibly strong with the puck and has an impressive shot. He’s making the most of his chances, and we’re fortunate to have him. He’s becoming an integral part of our team.”

Looking back at his first full NHL season last year, Heinemann scored 10 goals in 62 games for the Canadiens. Something that stood out to Lee is how consistently Heinemann finds the net.

“When he gets the chance to shoot, he converts,” Lee commented. “So, it’s about getting him the puck and setting him up for those opportunities.”

Indeed, playing alongside Horvat and Drouin would likely give Heinemann more chances to showcase his skills than if he were assigned to a more defensive role on the fourth line.

“I noticed his shooting ability right away,” Roy shared about Heinemann. “When he joined our practice, it stood out to me. During discussions with Montreal about the trade, I didn’t know much about him, but he quickly proved that we have something special.”

Although it’s not a straightforward decision for Roy, who’s juggling multiple lineup questions, the potential of Heinemann is certainly making things more interesting going forward.

Cal Ritchie also attracted attention but missed a chance to impress in Philadelphia, making the roster decisions even tougher for the staff as they prepare for the upcoming week.

“There will be significant choices to make, but I’m pleased with how things are shaping up,” Roy noted. “It complicates our decisions—good complications, though.”