New York Islanders Sign Forward Emil Heineman to Two-Year Contract

Swedish forward brings NHL experience and international pedigree to Long Island

The New York Islanders continued their busy offseason by signing forward Emil Heineman to a two-year contract, adding another piece to their evolving roster puzzle. The 23-year-old Swedish forward brings NHL experience and recent international success to Long Island.

NHL Production and Experience

Heineman spent the 2024-25 season with the Montreal Canadiens, appearing in 62 games and recording 18 points (10 goals, 8 assists). The 6’2″, 200-pound forward demonstrated his ability to contribute at the NHL level while gaining valuable experience in Montreal’s system.

Prior to his NHL breakthrough, Heineman honed his skills in the American Hockey League with the Laval Rocket during portions of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. In 59 AHL games, he tallied 38 points (22 goals, 16 assists), showcasing the offensive potential that originally made him a second-round draft pick.

Swedish Hockey League Foundation

The Leksand, Sweden native built his professional foundation in his home country, playing three seasons with Leksands IF in the Swedish Hockey League. Over 127 games, Heineman accumulated 46 points (26 goals, 20 assists), establishing himself as a reliable offensive contributor before making the jump to North American hockey.

Draft Pedigree and International Success

Originally selected by the Florida Panthers in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, Heineman has consistently performed on hockey’s biggest stages. He represented Sweden at the World Junior Championships in 2021 and recently helped Team Sweden capture a bronze medal at the 2025 World Championships.

Islanders’ Roster Construction

The Heineman signing represents another strategic addition to the Islanders’ forward group as the organization continues building around its core. The two-year deal provides both player and team with stability while allowing Heineman to establish himself in New York’s system.

This signing follows a series of significant moves by general manager Mathieu Darche, including the recent signings of defenseman Alexander Romanov to an eight-year extension, forward Maxim Shabanov to an entry-level contract, and the selection of Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

What Heineman Brings

At 23, Heineman offers a combination of size, NHL experience, and international pedigree that could provide valuable depth for the Islanders. His recent World Championships bronze medal demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure, while his NHL experience with Montreal shows he can adapt to the North American game.

The Swedish forward’s versatility and two-way potential make him an intriguing addition as the Islanders look to return to playoff contention in the competitive Metropolitan Division under Darche’s leadership.