User:SomeHockeyProfiles/Axel Heißmann

Axel Heißmann (born January 14, 1996) is a German professional ice hockey forward, currently playing with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, as a prospect for the National Hockey League's Los Angeles Kings. Heißmann was selected by the Buffalo Sabres with the first pick in the second round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft (31st overall).

Early years
Heißmann began skating when he was just over two years old, showing an aptitude for skating. He was a very fast and agile skater, traits that he still possesses now despite his towering 6' 5" stature. He went to a Deutsche Eishockey Liga game when he was only three and decided that he wanted to play hockey.

Heißmann's first team in Germany, when he was six, was not as skilled compared to him, and he was the best player on it by far. Heißmann was moved up an age level because of this extra skill, and he flourished in the league. Heißmann ended up playing one year ahead of his age group until he was selected in the 2nd round (31st overall) by the Voltigeurs, coincidentally his NHL draft spot.

Drummondville Voltigeurs (2012-14)
Heißmann began play for the Voltigeurs in the 2012-13 QMJHL season immediately instead of playing back in his home country. Heißmann played his first QMJHL game (albeit preseason) on August 17, 2012, when the Voltigeurs defeated the Sherbrooke Phoenix by a score of 5-1. Heißmann had two goals and three assists in that one game alone, and he was already being looked at by scouts. In his first regular season QMJHL game, September 21, Heißmann's team beat the Shawinigan Cataractes 4-3, and Heißmann finished with two goals and assists apiece. The Voltigeurs would bow out to Rouyn-Noranda in the first round of the playoffs, in five games, although Heißmann would have three goals and five assists for eight points. He finished the regular season playing 68 games, scoring 156 points (56 goals and 100 assists). Heißmann was already noted for his skating, but his passing ability and shot were also highlighted by scouts.

Heißmann returned to Drummondville for the 2013-14 campaign, and began the regular season scoring five points against Rouyn-Noranda on September 13, 2013. This was once again broken up into two goals and three assists, a feat he would accomplish for the second season in a row. Heißmann and Drummondville won their next game 7-2 versus Val d'Or, with Heißmann posting a hat trick and four assists in that game alone. He would continue his torrid pace throughout the first half of the season, with 126 points in 34 games. He would add 84 over the next 34 to give him a total of 210 on the season.

Heißmann was praised for his ability to adapt to the North American game. He had shown considerable improvement over the last QMJHL season compared to his first one, and he was expected to be selected in the high second round (this was his first year of eligibility). Heißmann fulfilled expectations, drafted just outside of the first round with the second round's first pick (31st overall, belonging to the Buffalo Sabres).

Buffalo had not signed Heißmann nor sent him an offer sheet, and the Los Angeles Kings were interested in acquiring him. The Kings attempted to obtain him on July 27, 2014, but the Sabres declined the offer. Terms of that offer have not been disclosed even to this point, and the Kings again sent an offer: their second-round pick in 2015 and a conditional first if the Kings made the playoffs. The deal was reported on July 28th, and it took place on July 29, sending Heißmann to Los Angeles.

Los Angeles did not delay the signing of Heißmann, giving him his first professional contract only two days later, which he signed on August 1

Los Angeles Kings (2014-present)
Heißmann suited up for his first NHL game on September 23 and posted two goals and two assists in the Kings' split-squad shootout win versus the Arizona Coyotes. He was named to the Kings' opening roster on October 9, 2014, but the Kings lost 4-0 to the San Jose Sharks. He did not play in that game due to personal reasons, but was able to return for the Kings' 3-2 overtime loss to the Coyotes, scoring both of their goals. He notched two goals and four assists in a 6-1 win over Edmonton on October 15. Heißmann ended up playing nine games for the Kings, with 12 points (five goals and seven assists), and was intended to play with the NHL club for the season as an 18-year-old, but Heißmann requested to play for the Voltigeurs once more, and such his much-hyped full debut was prolonged.

International
Heißmann is the face of hockey in Germany and he is a household name because of his hype and talent. He was represented to play for the country's under-18 team. Despite posting six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in three games played, he was unable to lead Germany to a medal.

Transactions

 * July 29, 2014: Rights traded to Los Angeles in exchange for the latter's second-round pick in 2015 and conditional first-round pick of the same year if Los Angeles made the playoffs.
 * August 1, 2014: Signed to a three-year, entry level deal by the Kings.