Trade Idea Sends Penguins Forward Back to Boston for Third Bruins Stint originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Boston Bruins have made a few moves this offseason to reshape their roster, but NHL analyst Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News believes there’s still a valuable opportunity to address a lingering concern.
DeRosa has suggested the Bruins consider bringing back forward Danton Heinen from the Pittsburgh Penguins for the winger’s third stint in Boston.
A Known Quantity With Positional Flexibility
DeRosa cited Heinen’s versatility, familiarity with most of the Bruins roster and potential bounce-back value as reasons for the move.
Heinen, who just turned 30, is entering the final season of a two-year, $4.5 million deal. After starting last season with the Vancouver Canucks, he was traded to the Penguins. He could be a viable trade target to bolster Boston’s bottom-six forward corps.
“Danton Heinen could be an interesting player for the Bruins to bring back,” DeRosa wrote. “He demonstrated during both of his tenures with Boston that he can handle moving up and down the lineup if needed.”
Heinen was originally drafted by the Bruins with the No. 116 overall pick in 2014. He played in 220 games for the Bruins over four seasons before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks. He eventually returned to the Bruins for the 2023-24 season, then was let go as a free agent.
The winger recorded 29 points last season across 79 games with Vancouver and Pittsburgh. He posted 36 points and a plus-16 rating in 74 games during his most recent season in Boston two years ago.
“If the Bruins brought back Heinen, he would have the potential to once again be a solid part of their top nine,” DeRosa said. “Furthermore, he would once again offer the Bruins an option to consider for both of their special-team units because of his two-way play.”
Addressing Bruins GM Don Sweeney’s Goals
General manager Don Sweeney made it clear after a disappointing 2024-25 season that he wants a more physically committed group.
“At times last year, even when we had our group, we were an easy out. I can’t stand for that,” Sweeney said. “So we are going to reestablish that.”
The Bruins have already added toughness in Sean Kuraly, Michael Eyssimont and Tanner Jeannot. DeRosa, who already urged the Bruins to re-sign Heinen last season, argues that the winger could further support that philosophy, and at a low cost.
Boston has over $2 million in current salary cap space and enough draft capital to facilitate a low-risk trade for a known quantity.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.