2023-10-10 16:54:00
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André Heim’s NHL career begins in the AHL. No reason for the Bernese to throw in the towel.
André Heim will be missing from the start of the NHL season. The 25-year-old, who signed an entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues in the spring, did not survive the cut after preseason camp and was sent to the AHL last week. A four-hour flight east of St. Louis, Heim now has to prove himself to the Springfield Thunderbirds.
At that moment, Heim was clearly reminded of how tough business is on the other side of the pond. After a training session, he was summoned to the office and presented with a fait accompli. Less than 24 hours later, he flew to Springfield, where, after a day’s break, he trained with his new teammates. There were also reductions in wages: in the AHL his annual salary is only $82,500 instead of $855,000.
No thoughts about NHL
He already knew that things would go something like this. “If you experience it yourself, it’s even different. “I have to accept it and look forward,” says the Bernese, looking back on the moment. He doesn’t want to waste any thoughts on a possible return to the NHL. “If I do my job well here, the chance will come one day.”
For Heim, who made his debut for SC Bern in the National League in 2017 as a 19-year-old, a supposed step backwards turned out to be a stroke of luck. In 2021 he left SCB and joined Ambri-Piotta. In the less hectic environment he was able to develop optimally and became a leader.
Legend: Reliable scorer At Ambri, Heim collected 61 scorer points in 97 games. Keystone / ALESSANDRO CRINARI
In Massachusetts, too, things should be a little more “humane” than in the preparation camp with the Blues. “Everyone there looks for themselves, there isn’t much talking to each other.” At the end of the day, everyone was “great guys” and the fights took place primarily on the ice.
Deficits in decision making
For Heim, writing off the dream of the NHL now is out of the question. The coaches identified deficits in his speed on the ice and in decision-making. So Heim knows what he has to work on in Springfield.
“If I were to think about going back (to Europe; editor’s note), that wouldn’t be a good sign.” Heim wants to get as much ice time as possible with the Thunderbirds and play as a center. After 15 to 20 games he will be able to take stock. By then he would like to have found a permanent home in Springfield. Should the call up come anyway, he would probably happily pack up again.
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