EXCLUSIVE: Islanders Forward Emil Heineman On Production Dip, 200-Foot Game & Growth
Through 58 games, Emil Heineman is setting career highs. The Islanders winger discusses his progress and mindset this season.
New York Islanders forward Emil Heineman is in the midst of his first season on Long Island after being acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in the Noah Dobson deal.
Through 58 games, the Swedish forward has recorded 15 goals, a new career-high, while tying his career-high in assists at 8 for a career-high 23 points.
Heineman has spent most of the season on Bo Horvat’s wing, an unlikely but effective duo before No. 14 went down with a few injuries.
He entered the Olympic break skating alongside Jonathan Drouin and Calum Ritchie on the Islanders’ second line.
I got Heineman’s thoughts on his season thus far:
Stefen Rosner: Obviously, we are past the halfway point, but with this big break here, how do you feel your season has gone so far?
Emil Heineman: “Pretty good. I try to take it game by game and help the team as much as I can. Obviously, I got a few goals early on and got into a good flow. But even though the production has gone down a little bit, I feel like my 200-foot game is still where it’s always been. I’m trying to help the team in any way I can.
“Even if the points aren’t there, you still want to contribute. It’s my second year in the league, so I’m still developing and learning as much as I can. There are a lot of good guys here who’ve been playing a long time, so I’m just trying to take in their experience.”
Rosner: How much have you learned from Patrick Roy?
Heineman: “A lot. And really from the whole team, too. There’s a lot of experience here — guys who’ve gone through playoffs and long runs. You learn from every part of the team.
“With Roy specifically, I watch how he reads the game. We talk a lot of hockey outside the rink, too.
Rosner: Is there any veteran you’ve leaned on or gotten especially close with?
Heineman: “Yeah, obviously playing with Bo for a while — I’ve learned a lot from him. He uses his body, he’s physical, and he’s a great defensive player. He’s someone you can put out there in any situation. That’s the kind of player I want to be — useful in any situation.”
“You see how skilled he is, but he also uses his body well, protects the puck, and plays strong defensively. I’m trying to take pieces of his game and apply them to mine.”
Rosner: Who’s the funniest guy in the room?
Heineman: “Tony’s up there for sure. Duke is pretty funny. And honestly, Leesy is underrated.”
Maybe Stefen is right to look at Liane for a rental only. He usually is not motivated, but he will be if healthy enough to play. Literally he would be paying for his NHL career! Cost is basically nothing and if you don’t get him going no harm no foul. This way you have the potential to get better especially on PP.
https://youtube.com/shorts/BRyoASeC-Ys?si=n_humu5ZvSImhm5Y
The Boom 💥 is coming! If Romanov can get healthy and stay healthy, we can have Boom Brothers! It’s not out of the question Keshawn makes the team next year. To me he 💯 can make the leap to the NHL. Pelech has played so well. Schaefer Pelech Romanov Aitcheson and George on the LHD. Pelech and George are both candidates to play their off side RHD.