Danton Heinen leaving Bruins, will join defenseman in Vancouver

Less than a year after joining the Bruins on a tryout contract, Danton Heinen will leave Boston for the Western Conference.

According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, the Vancouver Canucks signed the forward to a two-year contract with a $2.25 million cap hit. The Canucks also signed former Bruins defenseman Derek Forbort and forward Jake DeBrusk on Day 1 of free agency.

Heinen bet on himself last year signing a professional tryout agreement with Boston, to return to where he started his career. He not only made the roster, but thrived.

Heinen, who turns 29 on Friday, had 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points in 74 games with Boston in 2023-24.

In Heinen’s first four seasons for the Bruins to start his career, he relied more on skill. But after two years in Anaheim and two more in Pittsburgh, Heinen returned with much more grind to his game. He thrived on third line and on the penalty kills Boston.

Heinen’s unexpected impactful season earned the Bruins forward a nomination for the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy, which is annually given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Each chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) nominates one player from each team.

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