On Monday, October 30, 2023, the Boston Bruins announced that they had signed forward Danton Heinen to an NHL contract for one year with a $775,000 cap hit. During the 2022–23 season, Heinen, 28, played in 65 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, tallying eight goals and 14 assists for a total of 22 points.

Heinen was moved to the Anaheim Ducks during the 2020 trade deadline, therefore this is his second tenure with the Bruins. The Bruins selected Heinen in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft (116th overall).

Heinen’s Contribution to the Bruins

Playing all three forward positions, Heinen is a versatile forward. He has outstanding attacking instincts and is a skilled skater. In his own end, he is a dependable two-way player as well.

Despite having a rather disappointing season with the Penguins the previous year, Heinen is still a competent NHL player. Two of his previous four seasons have seen him score 20 goals or more. With 100 assists in his career, Heinen is also a skilled playmaker.

How Heinen Works in the Lineup for the Bruins

Heinen provides the Bruins another option, but they still have a lot of depth at forward. In addition to playing on the power play, he can play on any of the top three lines.

Heinen will probably open the season with Craig Smith and Charlie Coyle on the Bruins’ third line. If Jake DeBrusk doesn’t improve, he may be moved up to the second line. If David Pastrnak is not in the starting lineup, Heinen may also be used on the power play.

All things considered, the Bruins made a wise low-risk, high-reward decision in signing Danton Heinen. He is a talented and adaptable forward who the Bruins may use in many different capacities.

Here is a closer look at Heinen’s style of play and how he may benefit the Bruins in addition to the already mentioned:

Aggressively

Heinen has outstanding attacking instincts and is a skilled skater. In addition, he possesses a solid shot and is a decent passer. Heinen can score from beyond the area, but his strongest area of attack is close range.

Heinen is a skillful playmaker as well. With his passing and skating skills, he can set up teammates for scoring opportunities. In addition, Heinen has outstanding forechecking ability and the ability to force errors in the attacking zone.

In defense

Heinen is a trustworthy player who can play both ends of the field. He can block passing lanes and is an adept backchecker. Heinen is a proficient penalty taker as well.

Heinen is a versatile forward that can help the Bruins on both ends of the rink overall.

How the Bruins Can Benefit from Heinen

Heinen has several ways in which the Bruins can benefit. He can play defense, offense, and playmaking. He is also capable of playing on the power play and at all three forward positions.

Heinen is a capable leader as well. He is an accomplished athlete who has made several trips to the postseason. Heinen can foster the growth and development of the Bruins’ younger players.

In summary

The Bruins made a wise decision in signing Danton Heinen. He is a talented and adaptable forward who the Bruins may use in many different capacities. Heinen is a capable leader who can aid in the growth and development of the Bruins’ younger players.

Here’s a closer look at the many ways Heinen may benefit the Bruins:

• Offense: Heinen can give the Bruins another way to score. In order to provide his teammates scoring opportunities, he is also a skilled playmaker.

• Defense: Heinen can be counted on to play well both ways in his own end. He is a skilled penalty taker as well.

• Heinen can play any of the forward positions due to his versatility. He’s also capable of using the power play.

• Leadership: Heinen is an accomplished player with several postseason trips. He can foster the growth and development of the younger Bruins players.

All things considered, the Bruins made a wise low-risk, high-reward decision in signing Danton Heinen. He is a talented and adaptable forward who the Bruins may use in many different capacities.