In sports, the focus is often on the stars, the players who rack up the points, make the highlight-reel plays, or carry teams on their backs. But sometimes, the most impactful players don’t show up in the box score the way you’d expect. They are the ones who make subtle-yet-crucial contributions, whether through defensive play, leadership, or by being in the right place at the right time. These players might not always get the accolades, but their presence can shift the balance of a game, a season, or even a franchise’s future.
One such player is Emil Heineman, a name that might not immediately ring bells for every fan. But as we’ll explore, his impact on the Montreal Canadiens this season has been far more significant than most realize. Let’s dive into how Heineman is making his mark on the team this season.
Canadiens Win With Heineman In Lineup
While Heineman may not always be the first name that comes up when discussing team leaders or top performers, his impact is undeniable. When he’s in the lineup, the Canadiens are 25-17-4, a solid record that reflects his ability to contribute in ways that go beyond the obvious. Compare that to the Canadiens’ 5-9-1 record when Heineman isn’t playing and the difference is striking. When the young Swedish player is playing, the Canadiens are on a 96-point pace in an 82-game season, which is normally enough to sneak into the playoffs.
That’s no small feat, especially for a team that’s still in the process of rebuilding and finding its identity. Let’s not forget, Heineman missed 14 games earlier in the season due to an upper-body injury after a rather bizarre incident where he was struck by a car while crossing the street in downtown Salt Lake City, leaving him with a wrist injury that sidelined him for a stretch. He was also scratched once on Oct. 10 in a 6-4 loss to the Boston Bruins. The timing of these absences, particularly in the middle of the season, meant that the Canadiens were forced to play without his steadying influence at critical moments.
Heineman’s Pretty Solid Rookie Season
Heineman’s rookie season has been a bit of an understated success, but it’s quickly become clear he’s more than just a newcomer trying to find his way in the NHL. For a 23-year-old still adapting to the highest level of competition, Heineman has shown a level of poise and maturity that belies his young age. The Florida Panthers’ second-round pick in 2020 has recorded 10 goals and seven assists in 46 games this season and his 10 goals are good for sixth among rookies this season.
Moreover, Heineman’s ability to adapt his game to the NHL’s faster pace has been particularly impressive. Transitioning from Europe’s more wide-open, puck-possession style to the more grind-heavy, physical nature of the North American game isn’t always easy, but Heineman has made it look natural. His speed and work ethic have helped him fit right in, and as his confidence continues to build, there’s no doubt he’ll start contributing even more offensively.
The trio of Heineman, Jake Evans, and Joel Armia has proven to be far more than just a shutdown unit. Together, they’ve developed a strong two-way game that’s been instrumental in Montreal’s success, both offensively and defensively. Their ability to control the play on both ends of the ice has given the Canadiens a reliable line that can be trusted in all situations.
Given he’s still a work in progress, there’s no denying that Heineman’s rookie season has been a step in the right direction for both him and the Canadiens. He’s shown he’s more than just a depth player; his well-rounded game and ability to provide stability to the bottom six make him a key piece moving forward. And with more time and experience, it’s exciting to think about how much more he can contribute to the Canadiens’ future success.
While Heineman may not be the Canadiens’ top point producer or the flashiest player on the ice, his impact cannot be overstated. As a rookie, he has already established himself as a solid two-way talent who plays an important, often understated, role in Montreal’s success this season. His ability to contribute defensively, create pressure on the forecheck, and provide reliable minutes in all situations has made him a key part of the team’s depth.
