Tag Archives: Danton Heinen

Why the Danton Heinen signing is great for the Boston Bruins

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On Monday the Boston Bruins announced the signing of forward Danton Heinen to a two year 2.8 million dollar deal. Despite the rather confusing outrage from the Bruins fanbase, the signing came rather cheap. Lets take a look at the a few of the important details before we make permanent judgements on the deal.

Short track record

Despite already having two full years of NHL experience, Danton Heinen is only 24 years old. He’s shown signs of being a very good, playmaking goal scorer. Some of his talent is raw and untouched, but he’s by no means a virgin on the highlight reel. When Danton Heinen is on the ice, good things happen.

One issue that comes with being young and versatile on a team like this Boston Bruins team, run by Bruce Cassidy, is that its hard to find fulltime line mates. If Heinen can get a full season as a member of the Boston Bruins second line I think his numbers will jump drastically. Heinen’s best season came one season ago in the 2017-2018 campaign. Danton played 77 games and accounted for 47 points, 16 goals and 31 assists. While the numbers don’t jump off the page, its shows that he’s more than a one trick pony.

One more thing to take note is that 12 of those points came on the power play. While its easy to say that its always easier to score on the power play, having an impact on the power play for a team who depends on it as much as this Boston Bruins team is certainly a way top get you to stick around for a while.

How does the deal compare to the rest?

If you compare the money of Danton Heinen’s contract to the other contracts that are similar, there is absolutely nothing to worry about with this deal. All but two players with a contact that is comparable are older than Heinen, and all but two are within 10 points of Heinen’s deal. Heinen also has the highest plus minus rating of all comparable deals. That stat goes right back to my point that good things happen when he’s on the ice.

Stability for top lines

I mentioned here that the Bruins have a bit of a depth issue on the wings. Heinen provides two more years of top nine forward stability for a team that desperately needs it. Whether he’s on the top line with Bergy or on the second line with Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci, Heinen will play an important role. Signing Danton Hienen gives the Bruins a little bit of breathing room at the wing position.

Turning heads

With Marcus Johannson signing with the Sabres and Noel Acciari signing with the Panthers, signing Danton Heinen checks number three off the free agent to do list for the Bruins. Numbers one and two still remain unsigned. Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo have yet to sign, and the issue is cap room. After Heinen’s signing the Bruins now have about $8 Million to spend between the two. All heads will turn to Don Sweeney and the Bruins front office now. A trade or two might be the only option to bring both Carlo and McAvoy back. Don Sweeney is on the clock.

What Will the Bruins Do with McAvoy and Carlo

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On Tuesday night the Boston Bruins announced they signed restricted free agent Danton Heinen to a two-year deal with a $2.8 million cap hit. The NHL salary cap for the 2019-2020 season is $81.5 million, and the Bruins have about $8 million available. Now that Heinen is signed, what will be done with Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo? McAvoy played 54 regular season games with 7 goals and 21 assists, totaling 28 points. In the post season he played 23 games with 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points. Carlo played 72 regular season games, tallying 2 goals and 8 assists for 10 points. In the postseason he played 24 games with 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points total.

Photo by Winslow Townson

Navigating the Cap

Last season Brandon Carlo was not as productive in points as Charlie McAvoy, but they’re both effective on the ice and bring speed and physicality to the team. Both are also now restricted free agents who want (and deserve) bigger contracts. With so little cap space, however, this will be a difficult task. The Bruins have a few options to explore, the most likely will be to trade players who are older and less productive. Defenseman John Moore, 28, is a likely candidate with a cap hit of $2.75. After 61 games played in the regular season, Moore got only 4 goals and 9 assists for 13 points. He played 10 postseason games and went pointless. Likewise, injury-prone defenseman Kevan Miller, 31, has a cap hit of $2.5 million and missed much of last season and the entirety of the postseason.

Trading Backes

David Backes is the subject of much discussion in this regard. He’s 35 with an annual cap hit of $6 million. He’s not as productive as he once was, and was a healthy scratch during stretches both in the regular and postseason. Trading Backes would free up a lot of space to sign McAvoy and Carlo, but can the Bruins find a team willing to take on those cap hits? There are teams out there with a large enough gap. Teams like Colorado, Winnipeg, and Ottawa all have over $20 million available, and could be good trade targets.

Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images

Bridge Contracts

Another option would be bridge contracts. While McAvoy and Carlo likely want larger, long-term contracts, they could be signed to short term contracts with the understanding that they’ll be revisited in a couple of years, once contracts expire for players such as Backes, David Krejci, and Tuukka Rask.

McAvoy is the Priority

One more potential solution, though not necessarily the most desirable, would be to only sign one of the two. If that’s the case, it has to be Charlie McAvoy. His production, ice time, and style of play makes him an obvious franchise player. You can count on the fact that the Bruins will sign McAvoy no matter what.

Photo by Brian Babineau
Heinen And DeBrusk

Heinen And DeBrusk Stepping Up With Pastrnak Injured

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Throughout this season the Bruins have dealt with a tremendous amount of adversity. Before their West Coast swing they suffered arguably their biggest blow as David Pastrnak was ruled out for at least two weeks. In his absence, the Bruins struggling offense has come alive. They have been lead by Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen, who have broken out of sophomore slumps. With the trade deadline looming the Bruins young wingers are playing their best hockey yet.

Before their recent hot stretches, Heinen and DeBrusk had been disappointing this season. As the Bruins struggled offensively, the lack of offense from Heinen and DeBrusk was magnified. With the trade deadline looming, their names had been included in many trade rumors. The two young forwards have responded by reminding people why they are both key to this roster.

Last season Heinen was a pleasant surprise as his forty-seven points were the fifth most on the team. He was key in the clutch and had four game-winning goals. Heinen provided support for his line mates as he dished out thirty-one assists. When the Bruins, needed an offensive boost he was there. Heinen, however, was prone to extended slumps which again had been the case this season until recently.

During January the former fourth-round pick only had three points. His offense was non-existent regardless of what line the Bruins placed him on. In February, Heinen has regained his confidence when the Bruins needed it the most. Over Heinen’s last nine games, he has three goals and five assists. Since being placed on the Bruins top line Heinen, has been a different player.

DeBrusk’s Hot Stretch

The same can be said for Jake DeBrusk who has been dominant since Pastrnak went down with an injury. In 11 games this month the former first-round pick has five goals and six assists. He scored in five straight games, after scoring only three times in January. After an inconsistent start, DeBrusk has been the dynamic playmaker he was expected to be. The success of these two has coincided with the Bruins best stretch of the season.

Heading into Tuesday’s tilt with San Jose the Bruins will be looking to extend their points streak to fourteen games. This is due to the fact that their secondary scoring, which had been absent, has been on full display. This team is getting contributions from everyone with their top goal scorer sidelined. Their current streak has catapulted them to second place in the Eastern Conference.

As the Bruins make their playoff push, secondary scoring will be key. Having DeBrusk and Heinen at their best will be essential. While this team may still need one more scorer to make a deep run, their young wingers have carried this team of late.

Boston Bruins vs Chicago Blackhawks

Bruins End Blackhawks Winning Streak

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The Boston Bruins wrapped up a perfect three-game homestead as they defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-3 at the TD Garden on a snowy Tuesday night. Chicago came into Boston with a seven-game winning streak. With news coming that the Bruins star right-winger David Pastrnak being out for a few weeks, the time came for the team to step up, and tonight Boston delivered.

Boston Bruins vs Chicago Blackhawks
(Photo Credits: Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

GAME RECAP

The Blackhawks started things off when Alex DeBrincat scored at 4:22 of the first period, making the score 1-0. Chicago’s Brent Seabrook would be called for a tripping penalty against Chris Wagner. David Krejci would tie the game when he scored at 14:47 in the first on a power-play. A few moments later, Danton Heinen would net a wrister at 15:56 in the first making the score 2-1. Boston was not done yet, as number 63 Brad Marchand would score a wrist shot at 18:59 in the first. Score at the end of the first period: Bruins 3, Blackhawks 1

BOSTON RESPONDS

Towards the end of the second period, Jake DeBrusk would tip-in a goal at 18:06, getting the B’s up 4-1, however, Chicago would show some life as Duncan Keith slapped the puck past Rask, making the score at the end of the second 4-2. With the third period getting underway, the Blackhawks Erik Gustafsson would score a wrister that beat Rask, putting Chicago within one goal of tying the game. A slashing penalty would send Chicago’s Dylan Strome to the box at 5:42. Torey Krug had a beautiful set up that lead to a power-play goal by Peter Cehlarik at 7:18 in the third. David Krejci would net his second goal of the night at 15:42, making the final score 6-3.

BY THE NUMBERS

Brad Marchand had quite the night as he racked up a goal with three assists. Danton Heinen continues to find his groove after a slow start in his second season with the Black and Gold, as he added one goal with two assists. Heinen has six points and three goals in his last four games. Jake Debrusk also had one goal with two assists. David Krejci had two goals and an assist, while goaltender Tuukka Rask made 23 saves; he is now 10-0-3 in his past 13 starts. With the win, Coach Bruce Cassidy has won his 100th career victory in 166 games, making him the second-fastest Bruins coach to reach that milestone.

Chicago’s Patrick Kane extended his point streak to 15 games when he notched an assist to the Erik Gustafsson goal in the third period. Kane has now tied Stan Mikita for the longest point streak in Blackhawks history.

UP NEXT FOR THE BRUINS

Continuing with a western trip, the Bruins will head out California when they face the Anaheim Ducks this Friday, February 15th with a 10:00 pm start, EST. In another back-to-back series, Boston will then face the LA Kings on Saturday, the 16th at 10:30 pm.

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mid season

State Of The Bruins At Mid Season

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So far this season has been up and down for the Bruins. They have battled a tremendous amount of adversity and most recently lost Tuukka Rask to a concussion. Despite the injuries, they would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. With the first half of the season over, the Bruins are in a good position as they make their playoff push. They still have to improve offensively, but there were many positives to take from the first half.

Due to numerous injuries, the Bruins depth has been tested. As a result, their young players have been forced to replace key pieces such as Charlie McAvoy. One player in particular who has stepped up is Matt Grzyelcyk. The BU product has excelled in multiple roles for the Bruins, and already tied a career-high with 12 assists. In a blueline that has dealt with numerous injuries, he has only missed three games. Grzelcyk, however, is not the only defenseman that has shined.

Mid season
Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

Youth And Veterans Stepping Up

Just like last season, the Bruins have relied on their youth. So far this season both Connor Clifton and Jeremy Lauzon have made their NHL debuts. They both played significant minutes during their brief call-ups and surpassed all expectations. The young defenseman showed that they could handle a top-six role in the NHL. With the trade deadline looming they could be interesting trade chips or key pieces to the Bruins future.

While the Bruins young players have excelled, so have the veterans. David Krejci has appeared to have found the fountain of youth. In 49 games he already has 40 points, after recording just 44 last season. He is on pace to surpass forty assists for the first time since 2015-2016. He has carried this team at times when scoring has been scarce. Despite Krejci’s efforts, and the Bruins top lines’ dominance, the Bruins offensive struggles must be addressed in the second half.

This season the Bruins scoring issues can be linked to multiple sophomore slumps. After recording 47 points last season Danton Heinen, has only 13 in the first half. Anders Bjork was supposed to be a key contributor and now is out for the rest of the season. As a result, the Bruins have had to rely on players such as Colby Cave who failed to spark the offense. They do however have many options in the trade market.

Due to their offensive struggles, the Bruins have been popular in the rumor mill. Some players they have been linked to are Wayne Simmonds, Charlie Coyle, and Brayden Schenn. If the Bruins are to make a deep playoff run, improving the offense will be key. They already have a deep defensive core and a rising superstar in David Pastrnak. Their goalie tandem has also been better than many expected.

With one half in the books, the Bruins have reasons to be hopeful in the second half. If they can improve the offense, then this team could be dangerous in the playoffs. They have the depth to make a move, and their scouts have been busy. They will look to start the second half in dominant style next Tuesday against Winnipeg.

Schenn

What Brayden Schenn Would Bring To Boston

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With the trade deadline approaching the Bruins have been linked to many players who could be moved. They are currently on pace for a hundred point season, but have struggled to receive secondary scoring. One name they have been tied to is St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn. He has averaged 23 goals and 54 points over the last five seasons. His numbers are down this season on a Blues team that is last in the Western Conference. While Schenn would not come cheap, he would be a welcome addition to this Bruins team.

Scheen would most likely be put on the Bruins second line, which has been searching for consistency all season. David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk have been a formidable duo, however right wing has been a revolving door. So far the rotating cast of fill-ins have been unable to provide consistent scoring. The Blues center would transition well to the Bruins second line, as his 23 points would be the sixth most on the Bruins roster.

Photo Credit: USA Today Images

Additionally, Schenn’s playing style fits perfectly with this team. He plays with an edge, and would bring size and toughness to the Bruins forward group. Schenn has 19 career fights to his name, showing he will stand up for his teammates. His physical presence would be a huge addition to a forward group that is fast and more skill- oriented.

The price, however, would not be cheap as Scheen still has one year left on his deal. The Bruins would most likely have to part with a first-round pick, a prospect, and a contract to make the deal work. David Backes, who played for the Blues before he came to the Bruins, could be a possibility as his cap hit is similar to Scheen’s. The Bruins would also make a good trade partner due to their depth.


The Blues would most likely ask for Heinen, Bjork, or one of the Bruins highly touted prospects in Providence. While both Bjork and Heinen have struggled this season, they still have high upside. It is not definite the Bruins will end up with Scheen, but it is one rumor to watch.

Although Schenn would cost young talent he can help this team in multiple ways. He would not only bring a scoring touch but also add toughness to the Bruins bottom lines. The Bruins will most likely pull the trigger on bringing in at least one forward, and Schenn could be their guy.

Bruins comeback

Bruins Comeback From 2-0 Defecit To Stun Arizona

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With the injury to Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins have been without one of their deadliest weapons.  Tuesday night that did not matter as the Bruins new top line was magical.  After a sloppy first period, the Bruins found themselves in a 2-0 hole.  Things looked grim as the B’s had yet to come back from a two-goal deficit this season.  With their backs against the wall, this team that has already dealt with tremendous adversity, came roaring back.

The Bruins first goal came courtesy of Danton Heinen.  He buried a beautiful backhanded feed by JFK in front of the net.  Heinen’s goal ignited a Bruins comeback that Arizona could not stop.  The Bruins then took control due to their newly formed first line.  The trio of David Krejci, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak accounted for the Bruins next three goals as the Bruins took a 4-2 lead and never looked back.

Bruins comeback

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara- USA TODAY Sports

Top Line Leads Bruins Comeback

Over the past few games, Bruce Cassidy has placed David Krejci on the first line.  Against Arizona, Krejci was in vintage form as the Bruins top line looked unstoppable.  They single handily took control of the game as Marchand tallied two goals, and Pastrnak got his 21st of the season.  The trio played as if they had been together all season.  At a time where the Bruins need everyone at their best, Krejci, Marchand, and Pastrnak carried the team.

After a crazy second period, both teams remained scoreless in the third period.  The Bruins, while sloppy at times with the puck, did enough to hold off Arizona.  It was not the Bruins prettiest game but they battled adversity and found a way to win.  They also avoided any injuries after a scary sequence in the first period.  David Backes took a skate to the face but returned at the start of the second period and finished the game.

Bruins comeback

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara- USA TODAY Sports

After four days off the Bruins will return to the ice on Friday night for a tilt against Pittsburgh.  They will look to increase their win streak to four and continue to rise in the standings.

For more Bruins news Follow @JamieGatlin1217 on Twitter

David Backes

David Backes Stepping Up When Needed Most

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The David Backes era has not gone as many expected in Boston. Backes has provided veteran leadership during his Bruins tenure but failed to live up to his contract. Earlier this season, as the Bruins offense struggled, Backes did as well. Through the Bruins first seventeen games, the veteran winger registered just one point. Lately, his play has improved. In the Bruins last four games, he has two goals. Despite his struggles, Backes can still contribute to this team and has started to round into form.

David Backes Improving After Slow Start

This season the veteran winger has been a staple on the Bruins third and fourth line. That is not what the Bruins envisioned when they signed him three years ago, however, that is where he has been the most productive. His improved play is due to the fact that he has been more aggressive. Over the Bruins last five games, he has fourteen shots on net. That, however, is not the only reason for the veterans recent offensive contributions.

During his tenure in Boston, Backes has battled injuries and this year has been no different. He dealt with a concussion earlier this season that sidelined him for the second half of October. Because of the injury, Backes played with a more passive approach. Keeping him healthy will be key as the Bruins have already had many players miss significant time. Even when healthy this season Backes play has been affected by the younger Bruins trying to find their way.

David Backes

Photo Credit: Inside Hockey

Changing Style

Backes began the season on skating on a line with Anders Bjork and Danton Heinen. Due to their struggles defensively Backes put more emphasis on his defense. This was reflected in his statistics as he failed to register a point through the Bruins first eleven games. The choice to hang back made him appear tentative and prevented him from battling in front of the net. His recent aggressive play is starting to yield results and has earned him time on the powerplay. On the man advantage, he is helping the Bruins win faceoffs and keep the puck in the offensive zone. He will never match Bergeron’s production. However he has made the Bruins powerplay productive without one of its best weapons.

David Backes

Photo Credit: Claus Anderson/ Getty Images

Through the Bruins first, twenty-six-game Backes has not been an offensive force. With injuries mounting, the Bruins need veteran leadership more than ever. Backes has answered the challenge and is stepping up when his team needs him the most.

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Bruins second line

Bruins Second Line Catching Fire

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So far this season the Bruins have been decimated by injuries. As a result, their lineups have been in constant flux. Matters only got worse last week when Patrice Bergeron was ruled out for at least the next month. Despite the injuries, head coach, Bruce Cassidy has not had to worry about Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci who are playing their best hockey of the season. With the injury list growing the Bruins second line has carried this team when needed most.

Coming into the season, expectations were high for David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. With Krejci’s vision and DeBrusks scoring touch, the two were expected to form a formidable second line. After struggling early on they are starting to meet expectations. In the Bruins, last five games DeBrusk has three goals. After scoring only three goals in October, he has seven this month including two multi-goal games. Even when DeBrusk isn’t scoring he has been more aggressive offensively and created scoring chances.

Bruins second line

Photo Credit: NBC Sports

Bruins Second Line Stepping Up When Needed Most

Additionally, DeBrusk’s improved play is partly due to Krejci who is having a bounce-back year. Through 24 games, the veteran center has 17 assists after recording just 27 last season while battling injuries. He has been particularly good of late recording ten assists in the Bruins last eleven games. The Bruins center is on pace for sixty plus points for the first time since 2015-2016. Against Toronto, the Bruins second line was shutout however they still were aggressive offensively.

DeBrusk had a career-high seven shots on net and had the third most ice time on the Bruins. Danton Heinen and Krejci also saw considerable ice time finishing with the fourth and fifth most. They almost tied the game in the third period, however, a post denied Danton Heinen of his third goal this season. Although they were unable to capitalize they created scoring chances that in most nights would have resulted in goals.

Bruins second line

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Mary Schwalm

Expectations Going Forward

Having a productive second line will be key to the Bruins success. It will make them a deeper team and put less pressure on their top line. With Krejci and DeBrusk at their best, they have not just been productive but dominant at times. The Bruins have shown that they can be a very good team in spite of their injuries. That is in large part due to Krejci and DeBrusk who have played their best hockey as injuries mount around them. Depth was what made this team success last season and it has again lead to their improved play.

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Krejci and Heinen

Krejci And Heinen Developing Chemistry

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Danton Heinen has not had the easiest road to the NHL. He began last season in Providence before being recalled by Boston and becoming a key piece on the third line. With an open spot on Krejci’s right side, Heinen is looking to prove he can be a top six winger. It will not be easy as has competition in the form of Ryan Donato and Anders Bjork. So far, Heinen has been developing chemistry with Krejci early on. This has been key for the Bruins as they try to find out how productive a line with Krejci and Heinen can be.

Krejci And Heinen Forming Chemistry Early On

In the Bruins’ third preseason game, Heinen got his first chance at playing alongside Krejci. Heinen looked comfortable playing with Krejci and felt his play was improving. Forming chemistry will be big for these two but it will not happen in just one game. During the first two days of training camp Heinen played right-wing on the second line, which was noteworthy. If Heinen can continue to improve then the Bruins could have a formidable second line. This would allow the Bruins to keep their dominant top line together. Heinen could help stabilize a second line that was inconsistent at times last season and underwent many changes.

In recent years, the Bruins have struggled to find the right line mates for Krejci. When healthy, he is a playmaker and creative in the offensive zone. That will mix well with Heinen who is coming off a solid rookie season in which he had 16 goals and 31 assists. In camp, Bruins coaches have been impressed with the two in their limited time together. Following the Bruins’ 2-1 win over the Capitals on September 16th assistant coach Joe Sacco said, “I thought it was a good start for those two guys as far as trying to form a little bit of chemistry with each other.” They key for Heinen will be patience with Krejci.

Krejci and Heinen

Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Michael Dwyer

Adjustments For Heinen and Krejci

As a result of being so creative, Krejci tends to hang onto the puck. In order for Heinen to be successful he will have to trust that Krejci will find him. In the game against the Capitals the main focus was getting their legs back. The fact that Krejci and Heinen showed chemistry quickly was a very good sign. They will only get better with time and more opportunities playing together. Heinen’s hockey sense allows him to adapt to any different linemate, which he has already shown with Krejci. Heinen also has very good puck protection skills, which will only help the Bruins’ second line. Along with Jake DeBrusk, this could be a formidable trio. So far, Heinen has risen to the challenge.