Emil Heineman Looking Forward to ‘New Adventure’ with Islanders

When Emil Heineman heard rumors of his trade to the New York Islanders, he started doing some research.

“I started to check out New York and where everything is but then I [realized] it hasn’t happened yet,” Heineman said. “I had to calm myself down. But when it happened, I was really excited, it’s a new adventure for me.”

The trade materialized on the first day of the 2025 NHL Draft, when the Islanders acquired the 23-year-old winger from the Montreal Canadiens along with the 16^th and 17^th overall picks in exchange for Noah Dobson. On draft night, Isles GM and EVP Mathieu Darche made it clear that the Islanders pushed until the end to include the 6’2,” 198 lbs. winger in the deal, calling him an “established NHL player,” which in turn, gave Heineman confidence entering the organization.

"We really wanted him to be in the trade,” Darche said on June. 29. “He’s a strong kid that skates great, he’s got a rocket of a shot. If you look at his goals, it’s a high-velocity shot that can score. We see a lot of potential in this player. We feel that he can only improve.”

The Swedish winger is coming off a season where he put up 10 goals and 18 points for Montreal through 62 games, marking his first full season in the NHL. Over the summer, he contributed three points (1G, 2A) in 10 games for Team Sweden in the IIHF World Championships, earning bronze. Heineman’s speed and his shothave some of his new teammates excited.

“He brings a lot of speed, like the way Darche wants us to play,” said defenseman Adam Boqvist. “Obviously has a great shot. Anyone who saw the World Championship saw that. He has a good work ethic and he’s a hardworking guy. His speed is what his fans will really love about him.”

Boqvist is more than familiar with Heineman’s style of play, as the two played on rival teams in the Swedish Hockey League. Heineman played three seasons for Leksands IF and Boqvist spent three years in the Brynäs IF system. The teams are about 40 minutes apart and Boqvist compared the intensity of the rivalry to the Islanders and Rangers.

“My team doesn’t like his team and same thing other way around,” Boqvist said with a laugh. “So, it’s been nice to actually get to know him and actually know him. He looks great on the ice and it’s nice to have another Swede on the team.”

Heineman arrived on Long Island ahead of training camp and is using the time to get better acclimated with Boqvist and the rest of his new teammates on Saturday’s Anders Lee Kan Jam event ahead of training camp.

“All the guys have been unreal, it’s been so easy to get into the groove,” Heineman said. “I got here a week ago and it’s been an easy transition.”

Heineman’s first season had its ups and downs, as Heineman sustained a pedestrian accident in January that sidelined him for 14 games. Despite having to overcome the midseason injury, Heineman learned a lot from the experience.

“Obviously it was a tough break in the middle [of the season] but overall I was really proud of what I brought last year and really learned how to play in the NHL,” Heineman said. “I learned how to stay in the league.”

Heineman knows what it takes to make it out of training camp – he gave it his all in Montreal and became a regular in the lineup as a 22-year-old last season – so he’s excited to bring that same ambition this time around and raise his game to a new level with the Islanders.

“This year I’m excited to take the next step. New team, new system but overall, I’m looking forward to it and want to bring my 200-foot game and help the team any way I can. Trying to be as useful as possible and help the team go all the way.”