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Boston Bruins Prospect Focus 2016: Danton Heinen

By Brandon Share-Cohen

Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Pioneers forward Danton Heinen (20) skates on during the third period at the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Amalie Arena. North Dakota Fighting Hawks defeated the Denver Pioneers 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Pioneers forward Danton Heinen (20) skates on during the third period at the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Amalie Arena. North Dakota Fighting Hawks defeated the Denver Pioneers 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Bruins Prospect Focus 2016: Danton Heinen

When the Boston Bruins selected Danton Heinen with the 116th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, they probably didn’t expect him to develop so quickly. Heinen, however, proved to be a very strong draft pick early on in his college career. After just two years at the University of Denver, Heinen decided to join the Bruins system and compete for a roster spot rather than return for his third collegiate season.

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In 81 games at Denver, Heinen scored 36 goals and 93 points. Additionally, he also posted 10 penalty minutes and plus-19 ratings in consecutive seasons. While Heinen projects to make the NHL roster in the 2017-18 season, he has the potential to make the roster this season out of training camp. The 6 foot 1 and 185 pounds Heinen already has the size to compete. He can still grow, but he’s made a conscious effort to gain muscle since being drafted. Heinen will likely grow into his frame even better with some more help from the Bruins trainers

Heinen joined the Providence Bruins at the end of the 2015-16 season, skating in two games and posting two assists. In two playoff games, Heinen failed to register a point, in what was ultimately a disappointing playoff run.

“He’s the type of player, he can play with good players because he’s got a high hockey IQ and he’s got really good skill,” said Jay Pandolfo. “I think anywhere you put him he’s smart enough to figure it out.”

Heinen’s ability to play up-and-down the lineup will work in his favor as he tries to crack the NHL roster. One thing that head coach Claude Julien likes is the ability to change lineups on the fly. Accountability is important for Julien in that regard, and Heinen is responsible in all three zones. He has the potential to excel at the NHL level, just as he did at Denver.

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With training camp is creeping closer every single day.  Danton Heinen won’t be alone when he competes hard to prove his worth to the Bruins coaching staff. The competition will be fierce, but a competitive camp is a good thing. Heinen could still earn a call-up quickly down the road, even if he fails to make the roster outright from camp. A good showing could earn him a spot if any players on the main roster underperform or succumbs to injury.

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