Boston Bruins Prospect: Danton Heinen Has Big Weekend
Boston Bruins prospect Danton Heinen had a monster weekend, collecting seven points in two games as he led the #13 ranked Denver University Pioneers over the #2 ranked University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks in a weekend sweep at Magness Arena in Denver.
Heinen, who was drafted by the Bruins in the 4th round (116th overall) in the 2014 draft, had two goals and three assists on Friday night in a 6-3 win, and then last night collected two assists in a 4-1 win. Heinen ended the weekend a +7 in the two games. The sophomore forward now has 27 points in 28 games, respectable numbers, but not quite where he was a year ago.
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As a 20 year old freshman last season, not only did Heinen lead the Pioneers in scoring with 16 goals and 29 assists for 45 points in 40 games, but was tied for first overall in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference along with fellow Bruins draft pick Austin Czarnik, who was a senior for Miami University. Heinen would end up being the NCHC Rookie of the Year.
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Heinen made his mark on the national scene as well last year. His 1.12 points per game average for a freshmen was the third best overall in the nation last year. Dylan Larkin of the University of Michigan had 1.34 points per game with 15 goals and 32 assists in 35 games. That campaign led him straight from Ann Arbor to a spot with the Detroit Red Wings, where he is tied for the team lead in scoring with Henrik Zetterberg, and is making a strong case for the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year. Also in front of Heinen in freshmen scoring was Jack Eichel from Boston University, who led the nation in scoring with 26 goals and 45 assists in 40 games. Michael went straight from Commonwealth Avenue to the Buffalo Sabres. Obviously Heinen was in elite company last year.
How long Heinen wants to wait to follow in the footsteps of Eichel and Larkin is unknown. Besides putting points up last year, he has also added weight to his 6’1″ frame, which is something Bruins management had hoped for. Listed at 161 lbs. last year, the Denver media guide has him 25 pounds heavier now, listed at 186 lbs.
Next: Danton Heinen Offers Glimpse Into Future
Heinen had a taste of tournament play last year, seeing the Pioneers reach the NCAA East Regionals in Providence, before losing to eventual Frozen Four Champion Providence College. With this weekend’s sweep of North Dakota, it is a given that Denver will climb in the next poll. Things are clicking with his line, dubbed the ‘Pacific Rim’ Line with teammates Trevor Moore (California) and Dylan Gambrell (Washington) playing alongside Heinen, who hails from Langley, British Columbia. The trio is the hottest line in the conference right now, and in 12 games since January 1, they have put up 55 points on 17 goals and 38 assists. For Bruins fans, there is upside to Heinen remaining in college. It gives him a chance to build upper body strength, and to improve on his skating and technical skills.