LOS ANGELES -- On Friday, the New York Islanders traded star defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for the 16th and 17th overall picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, as well as forward Emil Heineman.
Here is a preview of Heineman and how he might fit into the Islanders' system:
Heineman, 23, scored 10 goals with 8 assists for 18 points with the Canadiens last season in a bottom-six role. The 2024-25 season was the first full season for the Swede, who was drafted in the second round by the Panthers in 2020.
Heineman has bounced around multiple NHL teams, having been part of both the Sam Bennett trade to Florida and the Tyler Toffoli trade to Calgary.
Characterized by a high motor and versatility, Heineman maintains a strong two-way presence and can play both sides on the wing.
In sheltered minutes with Montreal, Heineman was a defensive piece for head coach Martin St. Louis and provided strong forechecking.
Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) on X
The PEOPLE'S rookie of the year, Emil Heineman, bats in his 10th of the year.
#Habs within one here.
With Islanders’ head coach Patrick Roy, Heineman should click similarly and shore up New York’s forward depth.
The winger is a restricted free agent whose deal expired at the end of the 2024-25 season.
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David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Kai Russell contributed to this story.