“Yes. You will see that in October.

A five-word answer is rarely satisfactory for a journalist trying to tell a story. But the version transcribed above, despite appearances, says a lot.

It says a lot about Emil Heineman’s current state of mind with just over a month to go before the Canadiens’ training camp opens.

This brief statement from the 21-year-old young man followed a question that some young hopefuls often politely avoid, preferring not to draw too much attention to themselves: “Do you think you have what it takes to be a Get a full-time job?” with the CH this year?”

Still, we have to admit that Heineman, who Montreal acquired through a trade from Tyler Toffoli in 2022, has a number of arguments to defend his apparent trust.

The 1.8m tall, 194lb striker, who landed in Laval from Leksands (SHL) last spring (that’s quite a good argument!), ruined everything on his first official steps in North America. In 11 regular-season games, he had nine points, including seven goals.

That performance, coupled with the solid performance he had shown at the last CH training camp (he had been doing great in the team and pre-season games he attended before his thumb injury on October 4th) was the seed for he finally admits the seed in his head with a smile when teased about the length of his first reply.

“I’ve never played an official game in the NHL, but looking back at the three preseason games I played in last year, I’m confident that I have what it takes, not just a regular at Montreal to conquer, but also to.” help the team.

And who does he see himself playing with at the Habs should such a scenario occur?

“I think I’ll help every player I play with, no matter who they are.”

This has the advantage of being clear!

The secret of instant success in Laval

For many European players, a more or less long adjustment period is necessary when they land in North America.

Heineman didn’t need it.

As we said, the likeable skater, who turns 22 in November, was authoritative when he arrived on the Laval Rocket in March.

How does he explain that?

“The guys from the team and the staff made me feel really welcome. I felt at home right from the start. The coaches quickly gave me the confidence to put myself on the power play.

“And honestly, I think the playing conditions in North America are perfect for my playstyle. I was able to see my extended stats after the season and one observation struck me: I fired a much higher number of shots with Laval than in Sweden. I think that’s a big advantage of small ice fields: I can use my shot more regularly.

And anyone who has ever seen Heineman in action knows that this famous throw is particularly fierce. This is actually one of its greatest strengths.

“After the season, the Rocket coaches were very positive about me: They told me that they really enjoyed seeing me off the rack regularly. They like the quality of my recording.”

“I feel strong!”

The Swede’s winning streak with Laval may have given him confidence, but it hasn’t blinded him: he knows that any position in the NHL in 2024-2024 will require hard work at any time.

Heineman has spared no effort in recent weeks.

“I went home to Leksand for a while, where I really took off. I found a little cabin in the woods where I relaxed. I also fished a lot. But I obviously spent most of my summer training.

“With my personal conditioning coach, we set a strict and rigorous schedule that required me to push and work hard. I’m feeling strong right now! I want to be as well prepared as possible to attack the camp in a month.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Leksands IF

Interestingly, Heineman is already in Quebec. He’s been training with (notably) Joshua Roy, Logan Mailloux, Jayden Struble, William Trudeau and Riley Kidney at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard for the past few days.

Through his words and actions, we feel that he only has one thing in mind: to achieve something.

What will be the biggest difference between the Emil Heineman from camp 2023 and the one from last year’s camp?

“I’m more mature and more aware of the importance of playing at 200 feet,” replies the prime prospect. I want to be used in all situations on the ice. I too will be more relaxed about everything that comes my way after gaining experience in Laval last year. I hope to have a chance this year to play in front of the Canadiens fans and help the team if I get the chance…”

Everything remains to be done at the moment. Competition will be strong and available positions will be few.

But if there was anyone who could surprise, it’s Emil Heineman.

Talk to the American League goalies…