Boston Bruins Prospects: McAvoy Leads Deep List of NHL Potentials
By Joseph Ochs
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s (Boston’s) Door”
Prospects Who Have Already Played (Or Will Likely Soon Appear) With Boston
Danton Heinen-Left Wing/Right Wing, Providence Bruins
Danton Heinen’s performance in camp and the preseason was impossible to ignore. Many (including yours truly) predicted big things immediately from the former University of Denver star. His ascension was a welcome development for Boston, having just lost Frank Vatrano for an estimated three-plus months. Instead, Heinen has gone pointless in Boston through eight games and has been in Providence for most of the season.
Related Story: Bruins Tried to Spark Lineup with Heinen
In fairness to Heinen, he wasn’t put in the most advantageous of spots; jumping from college hockey to an NHL top-six is difficult for the most highly-touted prospect, let alone a former Fourth Round Pick. Playing against the opposition’s best players nightly is an easy way for a 21-year-old rookie to lose a little confidence.
Through 24 games in Providence, Heinen has eight goals to go along with 19 points. Lauded for his Hockey IQ and talent alike, Heinen has the look of a future second or third line player. He can play either wing and could very well wind up an all-situations player for the Bruins. I would personally like to see him receive another call-up, this time with the intent to play him in a bottom-six role. Should Boston continue to falter/tread water, it’s likely a roster shake-up leads to a recall for Heinen.