After landing a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks this past off-season, Danton Heinen struggled with the Pacific Division club. In 51 games with Vancouver, he posted six goals, 18 points, and a minus-1 rating. After not finding his fit with the Canucks, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in February.
Heinen was a player the Penguins knew well before this trade, as he previously played for Pittsburgh from 2021-22 to 2022-23. In 28 games with the Penguins after being acquired from the Canucks, he had three goals, 11 points, and a plus-3 rating. Overall, he showed signs of improvement after being dealt to the Penguins, and he certainly could be in store for a bounce-back season in 2025-26.
Heinen showed during the 2023-24 season with the Boston Bruins that he has the potential to be an impactful top-nine forward when playing at his best. In 74 games with the Original Six club that season, he recorded 17 goals, 36 points, and a plus-16 rating. If he can get his numbers back up like this next season, it would be significant for a Penguins team looking to turn things back around.
Heinen has shown during his career that he can provide solid secondary offensive production, too. He has recorded three seasons with at least 16 goals and four campaigns with at least 30 points. If he produces like this again and is solid defensively, he would be a nice piece for the Penguins next season.
Recent Penguins News
Report: Penguins Linked To Big Golden Knights Defender
Penguins Have Excellent Trade Target In Rangers Defender
Muse May Not Have Been The Popular Choice For The Penguins. But He Is A Good One.
2 Penguins Who Likely Won't Be Back Next Season
Two Penguins' Assistants Reportedly Join Former Head Coach Mike Sullivan On New York Rangers' Staff
Former Penguins Blueliner Signs With Overseas Club
Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images