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 39. The Off Season – Bruins Benders Podcast
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