It’s time to let Ville Heinola go

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Between accidents, being buried within the minors, and barely getting any actual shot with the Jets, it truthfully looks like Winnipeg has forgotten about their former first-round choose.

Drafted twentieth general again in 2019, Heinola’s now 24 and nonetheless hasn’t gotten a constant look. Simply when it appeared like issues may flip, he fractured his ankle within the ultimate preseason sport in 2023. That damage saved him out till mid-January — and when he did return, he was despatched to the Moose.

Then, simply earlier than the 2024-25 season, his surgically repaired ankle acquired contaminated due to the screw that was put in. He needed to get surgical procedure once more and missed one other two months.

“It’s been a tricky two years for him. I’m most likely his largest fan right here. I wanna see him,” Arniel mentioned again in November.

Heinola lastly returned and performed in 18 video games this previous season. He posted one help, 4 penalty minutes, and was a +6. He acquired his probability when Dylan Samberg broke his foot, however as quickly as Samberg returned, Heinola was again within the press field — whereas guys like Logan Stanley and Haydn Fleury stayed within the lineup.

And yeah, he confirmed some rust, however he additionally made a number of stable defensive performs and had moments the place you can see the potential. His pairing with Stanley didn’t work — no shock there — however he nonetheless deserved extra of a glance.

At this level, it simply doesn’t make sense to maintain him right here. He’s not getting ice time, and we’re losing his growth. He must go to a workforce the place he’ll truly play — possibly a rebuilding workforce that has the room to let him develop.

Heinola’s story hits dwelling for lots of Jets followers. Individuals aren’t rooting for the participant he’s proper now — they’re rooting for the participant he might’ve develop into if issues have been dealt with higher. Bear in mind, this man made the opening evening roster as an 18-year-old and regarded legit instantly. He’s been an elite AHL defenceman ever since.

However the Jets have been in win-now mode. Potential doesn’t imply a lot while you’re chasing a Cup. And let’s be trustworthy, Logan Stanley continues to be getting probabilities due to his measurement, not his play.

If Winnipeg’s going to start out shifting picks and prospects this offseason, it is smart to at the least get one thing again for Heinola now — earlier than his worth drops to zero.

PRESENTED BY PRAIRIE TOYOTA DEALERS