Trade Completed Between the Canadiens and Flames Is Turning Out to Be a Home Run

On February 14, 2022, nearly two years ago, the Canadiens traded forward Tyler Toffoli to Calgary in exchange for Tyler Pitlick, a 2022 first-round pick that turned into Filip Mesar, a 2023 fifth-round pick, and a certain Emil Heineman.

It's the latter who is making this trade look like a win for general manager Kent Hughes.

It's taken about two years, but Heineman is truly beginning to prove that he can become a long-term impact player in the NHL.

Interestingly, the best asset acquired in this trade was initially thought to be the first-round pick (which became Filip Mesar), but it's Emil Heineman who is making this transaction shine at the moment.

This places him third among rookies in the NHL, ahead of several big names in the NHL, including a certain Filip Forsberg.

In addition to his notable production, his 200-foot game is generally very impressive.

He seems on track to become a solid long-term player for the Montreal Canadiens.

At 23 years old, Heineman has tallied 16 points in 36 games this season (9 goals), despite averaging less than 11 minutes of ice time per game.

If he ever gets more minutes, things could become very interesting.