Between injuries, being buried in the minors, and barely getting any real shot with the Jets, it honestly feels like Winnipeg has forgotten about their former first-round pick.

Drafted 20th overall back in 2019, Heinola’s now 24 and still hasn’t gotten a consistent look. Just when it seemed like things might turn, he fractured his ankle in the final preseason game in 2023. That injury kept him out until mid-January — and when he did return, he was sent to the Moose.

Then, just before the 2024-25 season, his surgically repaired ankle got infected because of the screw that was put in. He had to get surgery again and missed another two months.

“It’s been a tough two years for him. I’m probably his biggest fan here. I wanna see him,” Arniel said back in November.

Heinola finally returned and played in 18 games this past season. He posted one assist, four penalty minutes, and was a +6. He got his chance when Dylan Samberg broke his foot, but as soon as Samberg returned, Heinola was back in the press box — while guys like Logan Stanley and Haydn Fleury stayed in the lineup.

And yeah, he showed some rust, but he also made a few solid defensive plays and had moments where you could see the potential. His pairing with Stanley didn’t work — no surprise there — but he still deserved more of a look.

At this point, it just doesn’t make sense to keep him here. He’s not getting ice time, and we’re wasting his development. He needs to go to a team where he’ll actually play — maybe a rebuilding team that has the room to let him grow.

Heinola’s story hits home for a lot of Jets fans. People aren’t rooting for the player he is right now — they’re rooting for the player he could’ve become if things were handled better. Remember, this guy made the opening night roster as an 18-year-old and looked legit right away. He’s been an elite AHL defenceman ever since.

But the Jets have been in win-now mode. Potential doesn’t mean much when you’re chasing a Cup. And let’s be honest, Logan Stanley is still getting chances because of his size, not his play.

If Winnipeg’s going to start moving picks and prospects this offseason, it makes sense to at least get something back for Heinola now — before his value drops to zero.