Danton Heinen signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1.

July 1 saw the Vancouver Canucks bring the pride of Langley, Danton Heinen, back to B.C., signing the forward to a two-year deal that carries an AAV of $2.25 million. The former Surrey Eagles captain is coming off a 17-goal campaign with the Boston Bruins, where he also recorded a career-high 83 hits. Set to turn 29 this summer, Heinen can play up and down the lineup and showed during the 2023-24 season that he can be an effective penalty killer when given the chance. 

One of the benefits of adding Heinen is his versatility. Over his career, he has played on big wings and can play in both the top and the bottom six. Heinen proved he can play consistently with top players like Evgeni Malkin and David Pastrňák, which could come in handy if Rick Tocchet elects to play him beside either J.T. Miller or Elias Pettersson. 

As for chemistry on the roster, Heinen already has experience with multiple players. He played 114:13 of five-on-five time with Teddy Blueger during the 2021-22 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, as well as 59:46 the following year. Heinen also spent time beside Jake DeBrusk last season, with the two sharing the ice for 153:24. Having that built-in chemistry with multiple players could help ease Heinen into the lineup while allowing Tocchet to feel comfortable that certain line combinations are going to work. 

With Elias Lindholm departing the team, Heinen is also projected to play a role on the penalty kill. In 2023-24, Heinen played 91:35 on the penalty kill and even scored a goal against the Canucks while shorthanded. As for his analytics, the Bruins allowed 2.53 goals against per 60 with him on the ice, along with 13.93 high-danger chances against per 60. If he can provide Vancouver with similar results next season, it will go a long way in ensuring the Canucks penalty kill remains strong in 2024-25. 

The Heinen contract has the potential to be a low-risk, high-reward deal for Vancouver. This is a player who took a discount to play for his hometown team and, based on his comments so far, is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the team's success next season. Whether he is on the first line or fourth, Heinen is an impressive player who should have an impact for the Canucks on a nightly basis.

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