Danton Heinen Flourishing In Boston Under Jim Montgomery

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Danton Heinen has changed a lot as a hockey player over the years. The forward is in his second stint with the Boston Bruins after beginning his career with the organization after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

In his first stint in Boston, Heinen tallied 34 goals and 69 assists in 220 games. He moved on to play for the Anaheim Ducks and the Pittsburgh Penguins before returning to the Bruins this year. He signed a contract worth $775K back in October.

Besides being a reunion with the B’s, Heinen has been reunited with his college coach, Jim Montgomery. At the University of Denver, Montgomery helped aid the forward’s development into the NHL player that he is today.

Now, in 2023, Heinen has been a surprising scorer for Boston. He has tallied five goals and nine assists in just 31 games. The forward has a unique perspective on how Montgomery has changed as a coach.

“When you’re older, you get a little more leeway, and you’re a pro,” Heinen said via Boston.com. “As a coach in college, you’re hands-on a little more. I think that’s been a difference for sure.”

The most important aspect of Heinen’s second stint with the Bruins has been his flexibility. Whether it be shifting from line to line or from center to the wing, Heinen has been able to do whatever Montgomery has asked of him.

“We started out using him on the fourth line. I thought the fourth line had some great games while he was there,” Montgomery said via Boston.com. “But due to injuries, he moved up to the third line — he’s been really good there, and he’s been used on the second line as well. He’s pretty much played with everyone,” Montgomery said of Heinen.

“He can play left wing, and he can play right wing,” Montgomery added. “He penalty kills really well for us… wins a lot of battles. That versatility is immense for us.”

Back in Boston and playing Montgomery, Heinen is finding his form. Especially towards the end of the season, depth is a blessing, and the forward can provide coverage in multiple areas.

Heinen does the little things that you would want to see from a bottom-six forward. He is great on the fore-check and winning pucks in dirty areas. When a team is looking to win a Stanley Cup, having players such as Heinen is a necessity.

So, while he doesn’t light up the highlight reel, Heinen plays an important role in Boston. If the Bruins end up winning a Stanley Cup, he will be one of the unsung heroes of the team’s 2023-24 campaign.

Season 4. Episode 37. Gimme a J. Gimme a G. Bruins Benders Podcast

 Join the Bruins Benders Podcast as they cover the HOTTEST topics in the Boston Bruins market, along with…- Brad Marchand wins his second Cup.- Bruins are in on another overseas player. Maxim Shabanov of the KHL. Is this the only real route they can take now?- Bruins Development Camp Roster is out. What are some intriguing names?- More teams shopping draft picks. Will the Bruins be able to trade the 7th pick?- Troy Terry is potentially available. Is he a fit for the Bruins?& Much More!Bruins Benders Premium Hoodies $55https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieBruins Benders Long Sleeve Tee $40https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Bruins Benders Tee $30https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1For more from us, visit: insidetherink.com/bruins-bendersBoston Bruins Trade Rumors, Boston Bruins News, Boston Bruins, Jeremy Swayman, Joonas Korpisalo, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, Nikita Zadorov, Hampus Lindholm, Mason Lohrei, Andrew Peeke, Parker Wotherspoon, Johnny Beecher, Mark Kastelic, Justin Brazeau, Cole Koepke, Trent Frederic, Matthew Poitras, Charlie Coyle, Pavel Zacha, Morgan Geekie, Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, Elias Lindholm, Oliver Wahlstrom, Fabian Lysell, Georgii Merkulov, Joe Sacco, Don Sweeney, Cam Neely, Brandon Carlo Trade#nhl #nhlbruins #hockey #bostonbruins #nhlplayoffs #bruins #nhlhockey #nhlmemes #boston #nhlallstar #nhldiscussion #nhlnews #nhledits #nhldraft #bruinsnation #nhlawards #nhltrade #hockeylife #tdgarden #nhlhighlights #bostonsports #bruinshockey #bruinsfan #nhlblackhawks #nhlglobalseries #nhlfi #nhlleafs #nhltrades #nhltradedeadline #nhlcanadiens #nhl #nhlnews #hockey #nhlhockey #nhlplayoffs #nhledits #nhldiscussion #nhlmemes #nhldraft #nhlallstar #hockeylife #hockeynews #hockeymemes #nhlhighlights #icehockey #sports #hockeyislife #nhlbruins #hockeyplayers #hockeyfan #hockeyplayer #hockeyedits #stanleycup #nhlawards #hockeygame #hockeyboys #hockeygram #hockeyfights #nhltrade #nhltrades 
  1. Season 4. Episode 37. Gimme a J. Gimme a G.
  2. Season 4. Episode 36. What's Your Vector, Victor?
  3. Season 4. Episode 35. Riding the Sturm Out.
  4. Season 4. Episode 34. Marco? Polo?
  5. Season 4. Episode 33. Sweens Extension

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Sam Minton

Sam has been covering the Boston Bruins and the NHL since 2016. While he loves hockey, he can’t skate

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