Emil Heineman's Remarkable Comeback and Fresh Start with the Islanders
Swedish left-winger Emil Heineman, now with the New York Islanders, has openly expressed his gratitude for being alive and still playing professional hockey after a harrowing incident last season. The 24-year-old native of Leksand, Sweden, was struck by a car while walking during an off-day in Salt Lake City last January, an event that could have ended his career—or worse.
"I'm grateful, and I'm happy that I'm able to be here today and to still be playing," Heineman stated before facing his former team, the Montreal Canadiens, for the first time at the Bell Centre. "It's a crazy thing to think about. Every day, I'm grateful." Although details of the accident were kept private due to legal reasons, Heineman emphasized he had the right of way, highlighting the unexpected nature of the trauma.
Impact of the Accident on His Rookie Season
At the time of the incident, Heineman was in the midst of his rookie campaign with the Canadiens, having scored 10 goals in 41 games. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound forward missed the next 14 games and struggled upon his return on February 22. Over his final 21 games, he managed only one assist and appeared less willing to engage physically, a stark contrast to his usual robust style.
Heineman explained the challenges he faced during his recovery: "I wouldn't say it was a big thing, but there was some protective equipment and gear I had to wear that made it harder to handle the puck. I think over that period, I still played some good hockey. Obviously, I wasn't getting the points, but I still felt me and our line played well over that time; played a solid 200-foot game." He finished the season with 18 points in 62 games and added one goal in the playoffs before the Canadiens were eliminated by the Washington Capitals.
A New Beginning with the New York Islanders
In June, while attending a soccer game in Sweden, Heineman received a call at halftime from Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes, informing him he had been traded to the Islanders. The deal included the Nos. 16 and 17 overall picks in the 2025 NHL Draft in exchange for defenceman Noah Dobson. "I didn't expect it, but I was excited to come here and play well for the Islanders," Heineman remarked, acknowledging the surprise but embracing the opportunity.
Reflecting on his time in Montreal, Heineman shared: "Playing in Montreal had a big impact. It's a special place to play, an Original Six team. Living in a city that breathes hockey. It was an awesome opportunity and experience for me to play here. I learned a lot coming here. It was my first time coming over. It was a big change. It's a great organization. It's where I made the team. It's where I played my first game in the NHL. It will always be a special place for me."
Thriving Under Coach Patrick Roy
Since joining the Islanders, Heineman has flourished, demonstrating a return to form and earning the trust of head coach Patrick Roy. Prior to the game against Montreal, he had tallied 15 goals and 23 points in 58 games, averaging nearly 17 minutes of ice time. He has been a consistent presence on the team's top two lines and is utilized in all situations, including power plays and penalty kills. Notably, he leads the Islanders with 184 hits, showcasing his renewed physicality.
Islanders GM Mathieu Darche emphasized that Heineman was an integral part of the trade, not just the draft picks. Coach Patrick Roy praised Heineman's adaptability and reliability: "It's easy for me to trust him. Need him on the penalty kill, he'll adjust. Same thing with the power play. I know he will adjust and make the play on breakouts or in defensive situations. The first thing you want is to feel comfortable with a player, that you can trust him, and that's exactly how I feel about him. He has been outstanding all year."
Heineman's journey from a near-fatal accident to a key player for the Islanders underscores his resilience and dedication. As he continues to excel in New York, his story serves as an inspiration in the world of professional sports, highlighting the power of perseverance and a fresh start.
