Danton Heinen Bio
Danton Heinen is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who currently plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Boston Bruins in the fourth round, 116th overall, of the 2014 NHL entry draft. Heinen grew up in Langley, British Columbia, where he played junior ice hockey with the Richmond Sockeyes. After a successful collegiate career with the Denver Pioneers, he entered the NHL, quickly establishing himself with the Bruins before moving to the Ducks, Penguins, Canucks, and returning to Pittsburgh before joining Columbus.
Early Life and Background
Danton Heinen was born on July 5, 1995, in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, to parents Rick and Veronica. His father is of Dutch heritage while his mother immigrated to Canada from Brazil. Heinen is the middle child of four siblings. His older brother Cody played hockey while his sister Olivia played volleyball in high school.
Growing up in Langley, Heinen developed his passion for hockey at a young age. He played with the Richmond Sockeyes in the Pacific Junior Hockey League before moving on to junior hockey in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). While with the Sockeyes during the 2012-13 season, Heinen recorded 63 points and led the team to the Pacific Junior Hockey League championship title. He then joined the Merritt Centennials and Surrey Eagles for his BCHL career, where he led the Eagles in scoring with 62 points in 57 games and won the junior A league’s Rookie of the Year Award.
Path to Hockey
After graduating from Langley Christian High School in 2013, Heinen earned a scholarship to attend and play for the University of Denver Pioneers men’s ice hockey team. Prior to joining the Pioneers, he was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the fourth round, 116th overall, at the 2014 NHL entry draft. Heinen played for the Pioneers from 2014 to 2016, quickly making an impact at the collegiate level.
In his freshman season, Heinen scored 45 points including 16 goals and 29 assists in 40 games. He registered 15 points in seven games during February, winning the HCA National Rookie of the Month award. He was named to the Second-Team All-Conference and was a finalist for the NCHC Rookie of the Year award. He returned for his sophomore season and increased his production to a career-high 48 points, helping the Pioneers reach their first Frozen Four since 2005.
As a result of his outstanding performance, Heinen was named the inaugural recipient of the ASN Player of the Year Award and earned First-Team All-NCHC Honors. He was also named NCHC Forward of the Year and selected as a finalist for NCHC Player of the Year. Prior to the conclusion of his sophomore season, Heinen decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility to sign a three-year entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins in 2016.
Danton Heinen Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Upon concluding his collegiate career, Heinen joined the Bruins’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Providence Bruins, to complete the 2015-16 season. He played four games with Providence, recording two assists. Prior to the 2016-17 season, Heinen participated in Bruins training camp before being named to their opening night roster and making his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
His time in the NHL was short-lived as he was re-assigned to Providence on November 2, 2016, after playing in seven games. Heinen recorded seven goals and six assists for 13 points in 13 games with the AHL club before rejoining the Bruins at the NHL level on December 10, 2016. He was selected for the 2017 AHL All-Star Game and helped the Providence Bruins qualify for the Calder Cup playoffs, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals while recording 18 points in 17 postseason games.
Boston Bruins Breakthrough (2017–2020)
Following his first full professional season, Heinen was again invited to participate in the Bruins’ prospect training and development camp. He played three games with Providence, recording three assists, before being recalled on October 26, 2017. That night, Heinen scored his first two NHL goals in a 2-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. By December, Heinen was playing alongside Riley Nash and David Backes on a third line that head coach Bruce Cassidy described as having a “200-foot game.” Between November 29 and January 7, the Bruins’ third line combined for 46 points through 18 games. He finished the regular season fifth on the Bruins in scoring with 16 goals and 31 assists for 47 points.
Heinen made his NHL playoff debut during Game 1 of the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Upon beating the Maple Leafs, Heinen started on the Bruins’ first line against Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 1 of the next round. The Lightning eventually eliminated the Bruins from the playoffs in five games.
Following his first lengthy NHL stint, Heinen returned to the Bruins roster for the entirety of the 2018-19 season. Although he experienced some inconsistency and two separate 11-game pointless streaks, Heinen moved throughout the Bruins lineup including time on the top line with Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron. He finished the regular season with 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 points as the Bruins qualified for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs. During the post-season, he played on the third line along with Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johansson, and recorded two goals and six assists in 24 games as the Bruins reached the Stanley Cup Finals. He signed a two-year contract extension on July 9, 2019.
Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins (2020–2022)
On February 24, 2020, while in his fourth season with the Bruins, Heinen was dealt at the NHL trade deadline to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Nick Ritchie. At the time of the trade, he had 22 points in 58 games with Boston. Heinen scored his first goal with the Ducks on February 29 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but was unable to match his previous offensive efforts. He finished the 2020-21 season with seven goals and 14 points in 43 games. As a pending restricted free agent, Heinen was not tendered a qualifying offer by Anaheim and was released to free agency on July 27, 2021.
Heinen left the Ducks on July 29, 2021, by signing a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Following the signing, head coach Mike Sullivan praised his offensive instincts, saying Heinen had the ability to play in the top-six or bring an offensive dimension to the top-nine. While skating during training camp, Heinen worked on the right wing of their top line alongside Jake Guentzel and Jeff Carter. After attending training camp, Heinen was named to their opening night roster against the Tampa Bay Lightning and scored his first goal that same night. By April 2022, 14 of his goals had come at even strength, ranking him fourth on the team behind Guentzel, Sidney Crosby, and Bryan Rust.
Return to Boston and Vancouver Canucks (2023–2024)
As an impending restricted free agent, Heinen was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Penguins, releasing him as a free agent. After testing the market on July 27, 2022, Heinen was re-signed by the Penguins to a one-year, $1 million contract for the 2022-23 season. Heinen signed a professional tryout agreement with the Bruins on September 5, 2023. After playing in the preseason, Heinen officially returned to Boston on October 30, 2023, signing a one-year, $775,000 contract with the team.
On January 20, 2024, Heinen scored his first career hat trick in a game against the Montreal Canadiens. Despite originally signing as a depth piece, Heinen impressed immensely during the season and became a core piece of the Bruins’ third line. He scored 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points, which was his highest point total since his rookie season with Boston. On July 1, 2024, Heinen signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks.
Return to Pittsburgh and Columbus (2025)
On January 31, 2025, Heinen was traded to Pittsburgh along with a conditional 2025 first-round pick, defenseman Vincent Desharnais, and right wing prospect Melvin Fernström in exchange for defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor. Midway through the following season, on December 29, 2025, Pittsburgh traded Heinen to the Columbus Blue Jackets alongside a second-round pick in 2026 and third-round pick in 2027 in exchange for Egor Chinakhov.
Driving Style and Strengths
Heinen is known as a reliable two-way forward with strong hockey sense and offensive instincts. His game features excellent playmaking ability and consistency at both ends of the ice. He has demonstrated versatility throughout his career, successfully playing up and down the lineup including time on the top line with elite players like Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron. His 200-foot game, as described by coaches, shows his commitment to defensive responsibility alongside his offensive contributions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Heinen achieved several notable milestones throughout his career. His first NHL goals came against the San Jose Sharks on October 26, 2017. He reached his first Stanley Cup Finals with the Bruins in 2019 and played a key role on their third line throughout the playoff run. His first career hat trick came against the Montreal Canadiens on January 20, 2024, highlighting his continued ability to produce offensively at the NHL level.
Danton Heinen Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Heinen has accumulated wins across multiple levels of junior and professional hockey. His collegiate career saw him help lead the Denver Pioneers to the Frozen Four, while his junior career included a Pacific Junior Hockey League championship with the Richmond Sockeyes.
Junior and Collegiate Highlights
During his time with the Richmond Sockeyes in 2012-13, Heinen led the team to the Pacific Junior Hockey League championship title while recording 63 points. In his single BCHL season with the Surrey Eagles, he led the team in scoring with 62 points in 57 games and won the league’s Rookie of the Year Award. At the collegiate level with Denver, Heinen helped the Pioneers reach the Frozen Four for the first time since 2005 during his sophomore season.
Professional Highlights
At the NHL level, Heinen has been a consistent secondary scorer throughout his career. His most productive professional season came in 2023-24 with Boston, where he recorded 36 points including 17 goals. Heinen’s playoff experience includes playing in the Stanley Cup Finals with the Bruins in 2019, contributing two goals and six assists in 24 postseason games. His career-high performance and first career hat trick in January 2024 demonstrated his continued development as an NHL player.
Danton Heinen Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Heinen comes from a sports-oriented family with strong athletic connections. His father Rick is of Dutch heritage while his mother Veronica immigrated to Canada from Brazil. The Heinen family has deep roots in sports, with Danton being the middle child among four siblings. His older brother Cody also pursued hockey while his sister Olivia played volleyball in high school.
Personal Life
Heinen grew up in Langley, British Columbia, and attended Langley Christian High School before earning a scholarship to play at the University of Denver. His multicultural background includes Dutch ancestry through his father and Brazilian heritage through his mother. Heinen has maintained connections to his British Columbia roots throughout his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Heinen continue his NHL career with significant mid-season movement. After joining the Pittsburgh Penguins in late January 2025, Heinen established himself with his fourth NHL franchise. His ability to transition seamlessly between organizations has been a hallmark of his professional career. The Penguins valued his two-way play and offensive instincts as they sought to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Midway through the season, Heinen was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, giving him an opportunity to contribute to a developing franchise. His experience from previous teams, including his Stanley Cup Finals appearance with Boston and consistent offensive production, provided valuable leadership to the Blue Jackets’ roster. The trade demonstrated Heinen’s value around the league as a reliable depth player who can contribute in various situations.
Throughout his career, Heinen has shown the ability to adapt to different team systems and line combinations. His versatility as a left shot who can play both wings and contribute on special teams has made him a sought-after player. As he continues his career with Columbus, Heinen looks to build on his track record of consistent secondary scoring and strong defensive play that has defined his NHL tenure.