Boston Bruins’ offseason is currently underway. As the NHL Draft (June 28, 2024) approaches, general manager Don Sweeney’s work is only just commencing. There is no doubt that goaltender Jeremy Swayman is the primary concern; however, there are other urgent requirements that can be addressed. According to Sweeney, he intends to proceed with the enhancement of the forward and defence positions. He will be able to acquire athletes to complete the roster with the approximately $22 million he has available. Although there are external alternatives, internal alternatives are also readily apparent. He is not the most visually appealing tool in the shed, but the return of Danton Heinen is entirely logical for the Bruins team in the future.
Bringing Heinen Back Is a Perfect Fit
It feels like aeons ago when Sweeney sent Heinen to the Anaheim Ducks in a trade for forward Nick Ritchie. Nevertheless, he maintained communication with Heinen throughout the duration of his free agency last summer. He didn’t land a deal right away, but his journey this season was undoubtedly spectacular to see. Heinen was on a professional tryout (PTO) with the team for the first two weeks of the season, and he subsequently inked a one-year deal. He was a crucial component of the Bruins’ success this season. Things went so well that they are looking into bringing him back. Heinen is one of nine free agents the Bruins have this summer. He is not the top priority, but a player that they should bring back into the fold, and for excellent reasons.
Heinen’s Versatility Is a Weapon
Refer to a Swiss Army knife. Heinen has become as that for the Bruins, much as utility player Brock Holt was with the Boston Red Sox.
When building his lines, head coach Jim Montgomery has no shortage of choices or application for him. Heinen and his adaptability are weapons; he can be successful on whichever line he plays on. He will leave his mark and have an influence whether the top line or the fourth line.
Spending much of the season alongside Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak, Heinen logged 184 minutes of ice time with them.They scored the most goals of any line combo (17) and produced 2.6 anticipated goals every 60 minutes overall.
Along with Charlie Coyle and Brad Marchand, he was given huge minutes; but, the line did not nearly show as much success. Juggling the lines was obvious given the injuries suffered all during the season. He also received time on the third and fourth lines, but he was so exceptional personally that he got top-six minutes. Given he was originally a PTO signing, expectations of him were modest.
Heinen then went on to buck those expectations and run an outstanding campaign over the 2023–24 season. In 74 regular season games, he scored 36 points (one shy of his career high), 17 goals (one short of his career high). From his first season with the Bruins in 2017–18, this was his greatest single season performance.
Given he bounced about the lineup, that output is quite amazing. From 8.3% to 14.3%, his shot percentage improved; the Bruins even had four game-winning goals from him. Though he fell short of the Bruins’ desired depth-scoring, he delivered and it paid tremendously. Still, his defensive game is well-documented, hence he is more than simply his offence.
A Defensive Warrior
Heinen is a solid defensive forward. He is great along the boards and battles for pucks. The little things he does are great for his linemates, as they can find open space for themselves. He is a solid two-way player and that’s huge for the Bruins lineup.
At the time of his signing, Heinen was a superb defensive player. During the 2023-24 season, he lived up to that billing as well. He finished fifth in takeaways (33, and did a good job of limiting his turnovers). Furthermore, he did a good job of suppressing the opposition, as he finished 13th in shot attempts against per 60 minutes. Also, he finished ninth in goals against per 60 minutes.
Given his sharpness defensively, he was utilized on the penalty kill. It seems whatever is asked of him, he goes out there and handles the task. Heinen is one of those role players that is essential to a team’s success and it would be a wise decision for the Bruins to re-sign him.
Heinen Could Return, But at What Cost?
It’s pretty clear that the Bruins should bring back Heinen for next season and beyond. However, it will not be nearly as cheap as it was during the 2023-24 season, but also not break the bank
According to AFP Analytics, a projected contract for Heinen is three years with an average annual value (AAV) of $2.9 million. If you are Sweeney, that is a no-brainer. Heinen is versatile, can play anywhere in the lineup, and has a strong 200-foot game. He thrived in his first stint with the Bruins and proved himself once again with his second stint. He is a key role player and would be a great player to build with going into the 2024-25 season.
