The Boston Bruins signed 28-year-old forward Danton Heinen to a one-year, $775,000 after spending training camp and the start of the season on a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO).

BRIGHTON, Mass. – The Boston Bruins announced the signing of forward Danton Heinen to a one-year, $775,000 on Monday. Heinen spent training camp playing under a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO) and stuck around long enough to earn himself a roster spot.

After practicing on the fourth line during Boston's morning skate on Monday, Heinen led the team in stretches and received an ovation of stick taps, indicating he had likely agreed to terms on a deal.

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery had no update on his contract status on Monday morning, but the Bruins officially announced the signing at 5 p.m. ET.

"I’ve been really impressed because when we do practice, and there’s opportunities for him to make plays or penalty kill, he’s been very noticeable,” Montgomery said on Monday. “He’s making a lot of plays, a lot of smart plays.”

The 28-year-old forward returns to the franchise that drafted him in the fourth round in 2014. He scored 103 points in 220 games with Boston from 2016-17 to 2019-20. 

He was traded to the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 24, 2020, and he spent the last two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, totaling eight goals and 22 points in 65 games in 2022-23.

While waiting nearly two months in contract-limbo since starting his PTO on Sept. 5, Heinen had to alter his mind set.

"It is what it is," Heinen said on Monday. "I think you just got to be grateful for what you have, and you still got to come to the rink every day and play hockey, so you can't complain."

With regular fourth-line forwards Milan Lucic (lower body) and Jakub Lauko (facial fracture) both missing extended time, Heinen has a chance to show his impact in real games instead of watching from the rafters.

"That's what I've been trying to do, is see the way that we play and learn the system so if I get the chance, I'll be ready," Heinen said. "I think that's a good place to do it and get a bird's eye view. Gives you a little different perspective, but it also makes you hungrier, and you want to be out there."