Emil Heineman: A Rising Star in the Canadiens’ Roster?

2023-08-27 14:13:08

“Yes. You’ll see in October.”

A five-word response is rarely satisfactory for a journalist wishing to tell a story. But the one transcribed above, despite appearances, speaks a lot.

It says a lot regarding Emil Heineman’s current state of mind, just over a month before the opening of the Canadiens’ training camp.

This short statement from the 21-year-old young man followed a question that several young hopefuls often politely sidestep, preferring not to draw too much attention to themselves: “Do you think you have what it takes to carve out a full-time position with the CH this year?”

We must still admit that Heineman, whom Montreal acquired in 2022 via the exchange of Tyler Toffoli, has a panoply of arguments in hand to defend his obvious confidence.

Landed in Laval last spring from Leksands (SHL), the 6-foot-1, 194-pound forward (that’s already a good argument!) broke everything on his first official steps in North America. In 11 regular season games, he had nine points including seven goals.

Photo credit: Laval Rocket

This performance, combined with the solid performance he had displayed during the last CH training camp (he had greatly distinguished himself during the intra-team and preparatory matches in which he had taken part before injuring his thumb on October 4 last), sowed a seed in his head, he eventually admits with a smile, when teased regarding the length of his initial response.

“I have never played an official game in the NHL, but if I go by the three preseason games where I was used last year, I am convinced that I have what it takes not only to win a regular position with Montreal, but also to help the team.

And with whom does he see himself playing with the Habs, should such a scenario materialize?

“I think I will help every player I play with, no matter which ones.”

That has the merit of being clear!

The secret to instant success in Laval

For many European players, a more or less long adaptation period is necessary when they land in North America.

Heineman didn’t need it.

As we said, the likeable skater, who turns 22 in November, was decisive upon his arrival with the Laval Rocket in March.

How does he explain this?

“The team guys and staff made me feel really welcome. I felt like home from the start. The coaches quickly gave me the confidence to put me on the power play.

“And honestly, I believe that the playing conditions in North America are perfect for my style of play. I was able to consult my advanced statistics following the season and an observation jumped out at me: I released with Laval a much higher number of shots than in Sweden. I think that’s a big advantage of small ices: I can use my shot more regularly.

And anyone who has ever seen Heineman in action knows full well that this famous throw is particularly violent. This is in fact one of its greatest strengths.

“After the season, the Rocket coaches were very positive regarding me: they told me that they really liked seeing me off the hook regularly. They like the quality of my shot.”

“I feel strong!”

The Swede’s successful streak with Laval may have given him confidence, but it didn’t blind him: he knows that a position in the NHL in 2023-2024 requires hard work at all times.

Heineman has spared no effort over the past few weeks.

“I went home for a while, to Leksand, where I really took off. I found myself a little cabin in the woods where I relaxed. I also fished a lot. But the bulk of my summer was obviously spent training.

“With my personal conditioning trainer, we established a rigorous and strict schedule where I had to push myself and work hard. I feel strong right now! I want to be as well equipped as possible to attack the camp in a month.

Photo credit: Courtesy – Leksands IF

Interestingly, Heineman is already in Quebec. He has been training for a few days at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard with (notably) Joshua Roy, Logan Mailloux, Jayden Struble, William Trudeau and Riley Kidney.

We feel through his words and actions that he has only one thing in mind: to perform.

What will be the biggest difference between the Emil Heineman from camp 2023 and the one from last year’s camp?

“I am more mature and more aware of the importance of playing on 200 feet, answers the main interested party. I want to be employed in all situations on the ice. I will also approach everything that is coming by being calmer following the experience acquired last year in Laval. I hope to have the chance to play this year in front of the Canadiens fans and help the team, if I am given the opportunity…”

At present, everything remains to be done. The competition will be strong and the positions available will be few.

But if there was anyone who may surprise, it is Emil Heineman.

Talk to the American League goalies…

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