Boston Bruins forward Danton Heinen is working back from an undisclosed injury, and could potentially return to the lineup in Game 4 against the Florida Panthers on Sunday.
BRIGHTON, Mass. -- While uncertainty surrounds the status of Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand following his early exit in Friday’s 6-2 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of the second round, the Bruins might see another forward re-enter the mix.
Danton Heinen (undisclosed) practiced in full on Saturday, and Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said the team will evaluate him during Sunday’s morning skate.
“We’ll know more tomorrow, for sure,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said on Saturday. “[We’ll] see how he responded to practice, but that’s the best he’s looked in practice.”
Heinen skated on the first line alongside Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic, presumably filling in for Marchand. He also lined up with the second power-play unit, indicating he’s getting closer to a return.
The 28-year-old has just one point – an assist – through five playoff games, but if he returns, he hopes to provide a jolt to a Bruins team which has been outscored 12-3 over the past two games.
“It’s [an] ‘all hands on deck’ kind of thing,” Heinen said. “And everybody just try to make that next play, no matter who’s in or who’s out. Sounds cliche, but that’s kind of the mindset. And you don’t gotta go and hit home runs; you got to play the right way, do the little things and have everybody do it as a collective group.”
Heinen had 36 points (17 goals, 19 assists) in 74 games, his highest single-season total since he scored 47 points in 2017-18, which was his first full NHL season.
The 2014 fourth-round pick rejoined the Bruins this offseason on a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO) after he was traded out of Boston at the 2020 Trade Deadline. Heinen signed for the league-minimum $775,000 in October and quickly established himself as a key bargain pickup for the Bruins.
After working back from this injury, Heinen said he wants nothing more than to get back on the ice to help turnaround the series, which the Bruins trail 2-1 to Florida.
“That’s the toughest part,” Heinen said. “Watching the guys go to battle and not being able to be out there and try to help.”
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