Forgotten Winnipeg Jets Prospect Makes Surprising Push for NHL Roster Spot at Training Camp
Photo credit: Edit from Arctic Ice Hockey
Forgotten Winnipeg Jets prospect Ville Heinola is pushing hard for a roster spot at training camp this season, and he has a good shot at making the team.
When Ville Heinola was picked in the first round in 2019, the Winnipeg Jets considered him a skilled, small defenceman who would need to transition to the physicality of the league.
Events, though, put him into the spotlight far earlier than anticipated. Dustin Byfuglien's unexpected retirement, a spate of injuries, and free agents leaving pushed Heinola into the Jets' season-opener lineup just a few months after being drafted.
Ville Heinola Scored His 1st NHL Goal in Just His 4th NHL Game
In his fourth NHL game, he scored his first NHL goal against Pittsburgh. It looked like the beginning of something great.
Six years on, that night is still the highlight of his career. For all his being the first 2001-born NHL goal-scoring player, Heinola hasn't played a full season or registered his second goal.
His growth was hindered by prolonged periods on Winnipeg's taxi squad during the pandemic, veteran signings that were blocking him, and persistent injuries.
A 2022 broken ankle, together with complications from surgery and infection, kept him on the sidelines for months in consecutive seasons.
At 24 years old today, he has learned to speak better English, has become a more mature professional, and has survived the adversity that tried his patience and strength.
"There's not much you can do about it," Heinola said. "If you don't play well, there's always a guy that's going to come up, so it doesn't really matter how much (competition) there is."
"I'm just waiting for my opportunity," Heinola said. "I haven't gotten a really good opportunity yet and I feel like if I can get the opportunity, I know I can play. I know if I get the chance, if I just get to play, I will show these guys that I am ready."
"I'm just waiting for my opportunity," Heinola said. "I haven't gotten a really good opportunity yet and I feel like if I can get the opportunity, I know I can play. I know if I get the chance, if I just get to play, I will show these guys that I am ready."
But there's only so much room for opportunity. There are eight veteran defensemen on the Jets, and they're established, with Elias Salomonsson in the mix to break in as the team's next big prospect.
Heinola is scrapping on the outside for one of the precious spots in camp. Each shift is a tryout, each choice a proving ground. For Heinola, it's no longer about whether he can crack into the league; it's whether he stays in the mix.
Previously on HockeyLatest
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 26 | 199 ANSWERS Forgotten Winnipeg Jets Prospect Makes Surprising Push for NHL Roster Spot at Training Camp Will Ville Heinola carve out a regular role on the Jets this season? | ||
| Yes | 62 | 31.2 % |
| No | 137 | 68.8 % |
| List of polls | ||