Danton Heinen Bio
Danton Heinen is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger for the Pittsburgh Penguins 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 and then returning to Pittsburgh.
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 sister Olivia played volleyball in high school, while his older brother Cody played hockey. Heinen attended Langley Christian High School, where he began to develop his skills in ice hockey.
Growing up in Langley, Heinen played with the Richmond Sockeyes in the Pacific Junior Hockey League and junior ice hockey in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for the Merritt Centennials and Surrey Eagles. After graduating from high school, Heinen earned a scholarship to play for the Denver Pioneers men’s ice hockey team. During his short collegiate career, Heinen earned NCHC Rookie of the Year in the 2014–15 season and NCHC Forward of the Year in the 2015–16 season. He concluded his amateur career in 2016 by signing an entry-level contract with the Bruins.
Path to Hockey
Heinen’s journey in hockey began at a young age, playing for local teams and honing his skills. While with the Richmond Sockeyes in the 2012–13 season, he recorded 63 points, leading the team to the Pacific Junior Hockey League championship title. In his only BCHL season, Heinen led the Surrey Eagles in scoring with 62 points in 57 games and won the junior A league’s Rookie of the Year Award. After graduating from Langley Christian High School in 2013, Heinen earned a scholarship to attend and play for the University of Denver.
Prior to joining the Denver Pioneers men’s ice hockey team for the 2014–15 season, Heinen was drafted in the fourth round, 116th overall, by the Boston Bruins at the 2014 NHL entry draft. Heinen played for the Denver Pioneers from 2014 to 2016, where he made a significant impact, scoring 45 points in his freshman season and earning various accolades, including the NCHC Rookie of the Year award.
Danton Heinen Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
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 in four games with the Bruins, two regular season and two playoff games, where he recorded two assists. Prior to the 2016–17 season, Heinen participated in the 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 the Providence Bruins after playing in seven games. Heinen recorded seven goals and six assists for 13 points in 13 games before re-joining the Bruins at the NHL level.
Following another assignment to the AHL, Heinen was selected for the 2017 AHL All-Star Game and helped the Providence Bruins qualify for the 2017 Calder Cup playoffs. He helped the team advance to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Syracuse Crunch by recording 18 points in 17 games. After a successful first professional season, Heinen returned to the Bruins roster for the entirety of the 2018–19 season. He finished the regular season with 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 points as the Bruins qualified for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Breakthrough (2019–2021)
During the 2018–19 season, Heinen played on the third line along with Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johansson, recording two goals and six assists in 24 games as the Bruins reached the Stanley Cup Finals. Following the season, he signed a two-year contract extension through the 2020–21 season. On February 24, 2020, while in his fourth season with the Bruins, Heinen was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Nick Ritchie. He finished the 2020–21 season with the Ducks recording seven goals and 14 points in 43 games.
After leaving the Ducks, Heinen signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 29, 2021. He quickly became a valuable player for the Penguins, scoring his first goal during the opening night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He continued to produce throughout the season, ranking fourth on the team in goals scored.
Notable Works and Milestones
Danton Heinen’s signature work includes his contributions to the Boston Bruins during their playoff runs and his performance with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has been recognized for his offensive instincts and ability to play in various line combinations, showcasing his versatility on the ice.
Danton Heinen Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Danton Heinen has received recognition for his performances, including nominations for various awards during his collegiate and professional career.
Danton Heinen Awards Won
Danton Heinen has achieved several accolades during his career, including being named NCHC Rookie of the Year and NCHC Forward of the Year during his time at the University of Denver.
Danton Heinen Family
Danton Heinen was born to Rick and Veronica Heinen. He is the middle child of four siblings, with an older brother and a younger sister.
Personal Life
Information regarding Danton Heinen’s personal life, including marital status and children, is not publicly available.
