Player Discussion Emil Heineman

[Ghetto Sangria]

if things continue to go well he’s projecting to be a columbus Anderson type player without the fighting.

Just high energy relentless forecheck and a mean shot to boot. Doubt he has the offensive awareness to become a consistent top 6 forward, but can become and integral depth piece for a cup run.

Wonder if they can develop his PK skills? He seems to have the tools and can take on more minutes in the future.

 

[BLONG7]

He is only going to get better. The Toffoli trade is looking good...finally

If Mesar can get it going, boy what a trade......

 

[OldCraig71]

Why are we comparing Eller and Heineman? Two very different players that play different positions...

I apologize for the comparison, I will think long and hard before I make those silly assumptions on a fan based message board and in the future will try to be on an NHL scouting assessment level.

 

[Lshap]

Heineman's become the big surprise of the season. I get the comparisons to Eller, Anderson, Cole, etc. because the optics are similar – they're all powerful bodies who are very strong on the puck. Even more exciting, Heineman has flashes where he looks like a power forward. He outmuscles someone for the puck, drives for the net and creates a scoring chance. We don't have many players with the smarts, strength, and finesse to pull off that combination of skills.

In the big picture, it's probably best to look at Heineman's offensive spike as a side benefit. He was never a true offensive star and it's doubtful he becomes one in the NHL. But if he continues to develop defensively we'll have, along with Evans, the makings of an amazing 3rd line that can quickly transition to offence and make the opposition pay for a mistake.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Heineman's become the big surprise of the season. I get the comparisons to Eller, Anderson, Cole, etc. because the optics are similar – they're all powerful bodies who are very strong on the puck. Even more exciting, Heineman has flashes where he looks like a power forward. He outmuscles someone for the puck, drives for the net and creates a scoring chance. We don't have many players with the smarts, strength, and finesse to pull off that combination of skills.

In the big picture, it's probably best to look at Heineman's offensive spike as a side benefit. He was never a true offensive star and it's doubtful he becomes one in the NHL. But if he continues to develop defensively we'll have, along with Evans, the makings of an amazing 3rd line that can quickly transition to offence and make the opposition pay for a mistake.

Slaf and Dach could learn a thing or two about how Heineman gets to the net.

 

[sampollock]

Slaf and Dach could learn a thing or two about how Heineman gets to the net.

is that not the truth
I was thinking that over the past few games.
Slaf so big and stays away from the net

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

Heineman is definitely the most pleasant surprise this year, not counting Hutson, since we all knew Hutson would at least be good. He's also been able to avoid injuries , which is very encouraging as well. We've got something to build around with that kid.

 

[Rapala]

I wasn't comparing them in that sense but rather for the things they do that are important elements for winning games: the physical play, the forecheck, and the competitive level. We have two bottom six lines playing the same way, and if it continues, we will keep winning.

I know exactly what you are talking about. Hard to play against consistently hard to play against.
We need Slaf to start showing this trait in his game when Eller played here the opposition knew what they would be facing.
People seem to forget when Eller got targeted by Ottawa he was our most consistent forward going into that post season.
We need another couple of players just like him when all the bad contracts get flushed out.

 

[sampollock]

Heineman is definitely the most pleasant surprise this year, not counting Hutson, since we all knew Hutson would at least be good. He's also been able to avoid injuries , which is very encouraging as well. We've got something to build around with that kid.

looking forward to this guy growing and getting better
great work ethic

 

[OldCraig71]

I know exactly what you are talking about. Hard to play against consistently hard to play against.
We need Slaf to start showing this trait in his game when Eller played here the opposition knew what they would be facing.
People seem to forget when Eller got targeted by Ottawa he was our most consistent forward going into that post season.
We need another couple of players just like him when all the bad contracts get flushed out.

If Slaf played with a hint of Heineman and Gallagher sprinkled in, he would be unstoppable. Because of his talent level, I'm talking 80-100 points. He may turn into that, and if so, we will be good for many years.

Heineman is not flashy but produces with limited chances and is always doing something productive on the ice. He is in the perfect place playing alongside Evans and Armia. They have been forcing teams to play in their end for a long time and it leads to good things.

 

[Lshap]

is that not the truth
I was thinking that over the past few games.
Slaf so big and stays away from the net

Slafkovsky's actually pretty good at planting himself in front of the net. Once we're set up in the offensive zone, he often heads towards the net and acts as a screen/deflector, which he's done well. It doesn't look like a problem with his net-GPS or brute strength; it looks like an inability to protect the puck while it's on his stick. He lacks the dodge & weave skills to carry the puck around players, and he lacks the body-positioning to protect the puck if he wants to skate through players. The result is he gets pressured easily and either rushes his pass or loses the puck altogether.

Slaf's a really good passer. If he learns how to protect the puck and maintain control a bit longer, he could become a great playmaker.

 

[Rapala]

Slafkovsky's actually pretty good at planting himself in front of the net. Once we're set up in the offensive zone, he often heads towards the net and acts as a screen/deflector, which he's done well. It doesn't look like a problem with his net-GPS or brute strength; it looks like an inability to protect the puck while it's on his stick. He lacks the dodge & weave skills to carry the puck around players, and he lacks the body-positioning to protect the puck if he wants to skate through players. The result is he gets pressured easily and either rushes his pass or loses the puck altogether.

Slaf's a really good passer. If he learns how to protect the puck and maintain control a bit longer, he could become a great playmaker.

Nail and head and you hit it.
All teachable using skills coaching the natural attributes he already possesses starting with how he takes the body in the first place.
Slaf already creates space for his mates now he has to learn he can also create more space for himself.
The end result will always be better and more consistent play making.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Heineman is definitely the most pleasant surprise this year, not counting Hutson, since we all knew Hutson would at least be good. He's also been able to avoid injuries , which is very encouraging as well. We've got something to build around with that kid.

Jake Evans has joined the chat.

 

[DAChampion]

Heinemen's emergence is bad news for Roy, Farrell, Kidney, Mesar, Harvey-Pinard, but that's life. It's now harder for those five to earn a real spot in the NHL.

Beck, Hage, and Kappanen are also credible competition for those third line spots.

 

[Ezpz]

Heinemen's emergence is bad news for Roy, Farrell, Kidney, Mesar, Harvey-Pinard, but that's life. It's now harder for those five to earn a real spot in the NHL.

Beck, Hage, and Kappanen are also credible competition for those third line spots.

To be honest Farrell already played himself out of the organization. Kidney and rhp were always longshots.

Probably Roy is the only NHLer there but he could also Hudon and just be a great AHL player.

Kapanen and beck are safe because they play center. They're at least getting a cup of coffee the wingers won't before Hage is knocking on the door.

 

[26Mats]

Heinemen's emergence is bad news for Roy, Farrell, Kidney, Mesar, Harvey-Pinard, but that's life. It's now harder for those five to earn a real spot in the NHL.

Beck, Hage, and Kappanen are also credible competition for those third line spots.

It's nice to have many options for the bottom six, because not everyonexwill pan out as expected. Roy is really going to have train his butt off to be in tip top physical condition, something he wasn't known for in the past.

Candidates for the bottom six now:

Hage or Dach
Newhook - Evan's- Heineman
Kapanen - Beck - Roy
Tuch - Mesar - Xhekaj

The completion is already intense. And HuGo will likely add size.

 

[DAChampion]

To be honest Farrell already played himself out of the organization. Kidney and rhp were always longshots.

Probably Roy is the only NHLer there but he could also Hudon and just be a great AHL player.

Kapanen and beck are safe because they play center. They're at least getting a cup of coffee the wingers won't before Hage is knocking on the door.

Prior to the 2024 season, Farrell was considered B excellent prospect. He had a better NCAA performance than Matthew Knies. He should have built more strength, I agree with your assessment, I think he's played himself out.

Roy and Mesar to step up. The clock is ticking. If they don't torch their remaining AHL games this year, they're probably done in the Habs organization. But if they do very well, Hughes has the option of trading Newhook for example.

If the Habs keep Suzuki Dach and Evans, then Hage, Beck, and Kappanen are competing for one spot. There's also the possibility that Florian Xhekaj could become 4th like center.

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

Heinemen's emergence is bad news for Roy, Farrell, Kidney, Mesar, Harvey-Pinard, but that's life. It's now harder for those five to earn a real spot in the NHL.

Beck, Hage, and Kappanen are also credible competition for those third line spots.

Internal competition is awesome to have, it's one of the best signs that you have an healthy organization.

 

[overlords]

I apologize for the comparison, I will think long and hard before I make those silly assumptions on a fan based message board and in the future will try to be on an NHL scouting assessment level.

You lost your Eller comparison privileges long ago!

 

[viceroy]

Emile is 10x the player Larry was, no offense.

Caps don't win the Cup in 2018 without notre beau Lars. I love Heineman too but let's simmer down a bit.

If Mesar can get it going...

Or if we can get something half-decent for him.

I apologize for the comparison, I will think long and hard before I make those silly assumptions on a fan based message board and in the future will try to be on an NHL scouting assessment level.

 

[Rapala]

I want Heinman and Newhook to switch

Not gonna happen unless and until we go on a losing streak or in the case of an injury.
Even then I could just as easily see MSL bumping Anderson as am experienced veteran.

 

[Andy]

I think Heineman is having success right now precisely because of the chair he sits in. I’m not sure he has same success riding with Dach and Laine

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

I apologize for the comparison, I will think long and hard before I make those silly assumptions on a fan based message board and in the future will try to be on an NHL scouting assessment level.

They’re different players but not THAT different. I guess should I apologize too since I aided and abetted you

 

[Sorinth]

The odds are long for any prospect to become a top-6 guy, but I wouldn't bet against Heineman. His shot isn't just hard (88th percentile) he gets hard shots off very quickly. The puck is on and off his stick in a blink even when it's not a perfect one timer setup. That's a trait that is going to score you a lot of goals if you can generate enough volume which is the only thing holding him back right now.

Combine that with his speed, 81st in top speed but 98th in bursts of 22mph and he can very easily find himself in a teams top-6 scoring 30+ goals. But it's true that he'll be hard pressed to get that top-6 opportunity with us.

He's also a possession beast, Heineman's in the offensize zone for 43.1% of the time and the defensize zone 39.3% of the time. But his zone starts are at a very low 38.7%.

The big question is what happens when he starts getting more minutes but as of right now I wouldn't bet against him defying fan predictions of what his ceiling is.

 

[26Mats]

Heineman's become the big surprise of the season. I get the comparisons to Eller, Anderson, Cole, etc. because the optics are similar – they're all powerful bodies who are very strong on the puck. Even more exciting, Heineman has flashes where he looks like a power forward. He outmuscles someone for the puck, drives for the net and creates a scoring chance. We don't have many players with the smarts, strength, and finesse to pull off that combination of skills.

In the big picture, it's probably best to look at Heineman's offensive spike as a side benefit. He was never a true offensive star and it's doubtful he becomes one in the NHL. But if he continues to develop defensively we'll have, along with Evans, the makings of an amazing 3rd line that can quickly transition to offence and make the opposition pay for a mistake.

As it stands now, long term it would appear the 7th best forward on the depth chart would be whoever isn't the 2c between Hage and Dach. Either could be a good addition to the Evans-Heineman duo.

But there's a lot of hockey ahead before Hage is ready.