As we head into the last stretch of the 2023-2024 NHL season, the Montreal Canadiens continue to develop their young players and search for bright spots within their ranks. One name that has recently gained attention is Emil Heineman, a player who has shown tremendous promise in his quest for an NHL spot. Heineman, a forward who was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2020 and later acquired by the Canadiens in the trade that sent Tyler Toffoli to Calgary, has been quietly shooting his shot at securing a permanent role in Montreal.
The Road to Montreal
Heineman’s journey to the NHL has been an interesting one, marked by international success and a series of development steps that have led him to the Canadiens’ prospect pool. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Heineman grew up playing in the Swedish hockey system, a country known for producing top-tier talent. His offensive upside became apparent early on, and in 2020, he was selected 43rd overall in the second round of the NHL Draft by the Florida Panthers.
Despite being drafted by Florida, Heineman’s path to North America was not a direct one. He played for several teams in the Swedish leagues before joining the Calgary Flames’ system after the trade that sent Toffoli to the Flames in 2022. Heineman then spent the majority of his time with the AHL’s Stockton Heat, where he showed his offensive prowess with solid scoring numbers.
The Canadiens, recognizing Heineman’s potential, acquired him as part of their long-term rebuild. Since joining Montreal, Heineman has continued his development, playing in the AHL with the Laval Rocket and getting periodic call-ups to the big league club. While his time with the Canadiens’ NHL roster has been limited, Heineman has taken every opportunity to show that he belongs.
Development in Laval
For most of the 2023 season, Heineman has been developing his game with the Laval Rocket, Montreal’s AHL affiliate. This is an important step for young players as they make the transition from European leagues or junior hockey into the North American professional game. The AHL provides an environment for players to refine their skills, adjust to the North American style of play, and get accustomed to the physicality of the game.
Heineman’s development in Laval has been marked by his consistent offensive output. He’s proven that he can generate scoring chances, both through his shot and his ability to create opportunities in transition. His shooting ability has been a standout aspect of his game. Heineman has a natural goal-scoring instinct that is hard to ignore, and it’s something he’s showcased at the AHL level, where his shots are often among the most dangerous on the ice.
The Call-Up to Montreal
In the midst of the Canadiens’ rebuilding process, the team has been looking for young players who can inject some energy into the lineup. With injuries and roster shuffling giving Heineman some opportunities, the Swedish forward has made the most of his NHL call-ups.
During his brief stints with the Canadiens, Heineman has shown that he has the tools to compete at the NHL level. His skating is quick, and he’s shown an ability to contribute offensively. What has stood out most is his fearless approach to taking shots at the net. Whether it’s from the wing or in front of the crease, Heineman isn’t afraid to shoot and isn’t shy about driving toward the net in pursuit of a goal.
In the early parts of the season, he looked like a player eager to prove that he could keep pace with the NHL’s elite while making an impact in the offensive zone. His desire to shoot and get involved in the play stood out, especially in games when the Canadiens struggled to generate consistent offense. His shooting percentage was respectable, and his confidence in his shot was clear—he knew when to take risks, and his assertiveness made him a threat in any situation.
Emil Heineman’s Shot Accuracy and the NHL Transition
Heineman’s transition from the AHL to the NHL hasn’t been without its challenges, but one of the most encouraging aspects of his game is his shot accuracy. Known for being a natural goal-scorer, Heineman’s ability to place pucks precisely in the right spots has helped him develop into a potential scoring machine. In the NHL, however, scoring is tougher to come by. NHL goalies are faster, defenders are more aggressive, and the overall speed of the game is relentless.
For Heineman, these challenges have forced him to refine his game, and while his raw offensive talent is still apparent, it’s his ability to adjust and refine his shooting that has allowed him to thrive. He has been known to work on his shot release and has spent hours practicing how to generate scoring chances with speed and precision. Heineman is learning how to read the game more effectively in terms of timing his shots, ensuring that his releases are unpredictable, which gives him a better chance of scoring in the NHL.
Heineman’s shot selection has also been one of his strengths. Rather than taking low-percentage shots, he often finds the best opportunities to shoot, such as in high-danger areas or when the goalie’s positioning is off. These types of decisions have led to greater success in his scoring efforts, both in Laval and with Montreal.
Heineman’s Role Moving Forward
As the Canadiens continue their rebuild and develop their younger players, Heineman is certainly one to watch. He has the tools to be a consistent contributor at the NHL level. His shooting ability, combined with his willingness to take risks in the offensive zone, means he has the potential to become a regular fixture in Montreal’s top-nine forwards.
The key for Heineman moving forward will be to continue to improve his all-around game. While his offensive upside is exciting, the Canadiens will need him to round out his skills, particularly in his two-way game. NHL success requires more than just a good shot—it requires the ability to play in all situations, including defensively, and the ability to adjust to the demands of the NHL schedule and competition.
In addition, Heineman will need to find consistency in his performances, something that can be difficult for young players in a competitive league. With time, though, Heineman’s ability to adapt to the NHL style of play will help him carve out a more prominent role on the Canadiens’ roster.
Conclusion
Emil Heineman is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing young players in the Canadiens’ system, and his ability to shoot the puck with confidence and accuracy gives him an edge in Montreal’s pursuit of offensive talent. His call-ups to the NHL have shown that he is ready to make an impact when given the chance, and his development in Laval indicates that he’s only scratching the surface of his potential.
As Heineman continues to work on his game and shoot his shot in Montreal, it’s clear that the future is bright for the young Swede. Canadiens fans can look forward to watching Heineman’s growth as he aims to secure a permanent role in the lineup and help the team rise back to prominence. His journey is one to watch closely, as he’s certainly aiming for a long-term place in the Canadiens’ lineup—and with his shot, he just might make it happen.