Two Former Canadiens Land on Opponent’s Top Line in Surprising Move
Photo credit: NHLPA
Major surprise in New York: Jonathan Drouin and Emil Heineman, two former Montreal Canadiens, were spotted this morning on the Islanders’ top line in practice.
Some news surprises us more than others. Well, this is one of those cases. Let’s just say I didn’t have this on my bingo card!
Journalist Stefen Rosner shared the lines observed at Patrick Roy’s team practice, and many fans were simply stunned.
Two former Canadiens players, Jonathan Drouin and Emil Heineman, are joining Bo Horvat, the team’s number-one center.
It’s a huge vote of confidence, but also an image that has generated a lot of reactions.
“Drouin and Heineman have talent, no one’s taking that away from them. But to play on the top line right in the first regular-season game?”
– Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Jonathan Drouin and Emil Heineman Promoted to Patrick Roy’s Islanders Top Line
For many observers, this line composition mainly speaks to the Islanders’ limited depth.
Their offense lacks solid options behind Horvat (who is also aging), which opens the door to surprises.
“If the guys are rewarded for their camp, that’s fine. But as I said, it still says a lot about the state of the franchise.”
On my side, I have to admit I didn’t expect to see Drouin back in such an important role so quickly.
But the surprise doesn’t stop there: Anthony Duclair, known for his speed and offensive flair, starts on the fourth line.
This decision recalls the tensions at the end of last season between Duclair and Patrick Roy. Recall that Roy had coached Duclair in juniors with the Quebec Remparts.
I’m really looking forward to following the Islanders’ story this season.
POLL
2 HOURS AGOÂ Â Â |Â Â Â 19 ANSWERS
Two Former Canadiens Land on Opponent’s Top Line in Surprising Move
Do you think Jonathan Drouin and Emil Heineman will stay on the Islanders’ top line for long?
ALLHABS.COM
COPYRIGHT @2025 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMSÂ Â –Â Â POLICIES