Emil Heineman says 'Here we go' after joining New York Islanders

Emil Heineman said he was “really excited” to join the New York Islanders and welcomed the opportunity to take the next step in his career after being included in the trade that sent defenseman Noah Dobson to Montreal.

The 23-year-old Swede addressed reporters for the first time since the deal late last month on Sept. 13, recounting how he learned his name was circulating in trade rumors and how he and his girlfriend are preparing for the move. “When they called, I was like, ‘All right, here we go,’ ” Heineman said. Heineman played the last two seasons with the Canadiens and scored 10 goals with eight assists in 62 games last season.

Islanders executive vice president of hockey operations Mathieu Darche made no secret of the club’s interest in Heineman when the trade was completed, saying the organization saw potential in a player who skates well, brings physicality and possesses a “rocket of a shot.” Team officials view Heineman as a candidate to provide immediate help this season, particularly on a fourth line that values competitiveness and a physical presence.

Heineman acknowledged a difficult midseason injury last year but said the experience helped him learn how to play and stay in the NHL. “I thought overall, I’m really proud of what I brought last year, and really learned how to play in the NHL, too,” he said. “For this year, I’m really excited to take the next step.” Heineman also recalled checking social media the night his agent first tipped him to trade chatter and calming himself while watching a soccer match before the deal was finalized.

The Islanders are expected to receive longer-term value from two prospects acquired from Montreal with draft picks: Kashawn Aitcheson and Victor Eklund, selected 16th and 17th overall. Eklund is slated to play this season with Djugardens in the Swedish Hockey League, while Aitcheson will remain with the OHL’s Barrie Colts as he continues to develop. Aitcheson attended rookie camp on Long Island this week but was listed by the team as absent from a Saturday practice for maintenance reasons.

Heineman will be the only element of the Dobson trade projected to contribute immediately at the NHL level this season, giving the Islanders a depth option up front as training camp progresses. Darche emphasized on draft night that adding Heineman was a priority, noting his scoring ability and physical style as fits for the organization’s depth chart.

The Islanders open their preseason schedule in the weeks ahead, and Heineman’s arrival gives the club another player with NHL experience as it sorts roles and lines. The two prospects from the trade will be tracked as part of a longer-term rebuilding of the club’s pipeline, while Heineman’s integration will be evaluated during camp and the early part of the season.

Heineman, who has a reputation as a high-energy player, said he is looking forward to a “new adventure” on Long Island and to contributing in whatever role the Islanders ask of him. The organization, having pushed to include him in the deal, will count on him to provide the physical edge and shooting touch Darche cited when the trade was announced.