Danton Heinen Bio
Danton Heinen is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for his steady two-way play and offensive instincts, he has built a long professional career since being drafted in 2014. Over the years, Heinen has suited up for the Boston Bruins, Anaheim Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks, and Columbus Blue Jackets, establishing himself as a reliable depth forward with scoring touch.
Early Life and Background
Danton Heinen was born on July 5, 1995, in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. He grew up in a supportive family, the middle child of four siblings. His father, Rick, is of Dutch heritage, while his mother, Veronica, immigrated to Canada from Brazil. Heinen’s older brother, Cody, also played hockey, giving the future NHLer an early competitive companion at home.
Heinen attended Langley Christian High School, where he balanced academics with a growing commitment to competitive hockey. The Vancouver-area setting offered him access to strong junior programs and helped shape his development as a forward. His parents encouraged his athletic pursuits, and the family environment laid the foundation for his future career in the sport.
Path to Hockey
Heinen’s hockey journey began with the Richmond Sockeyes of the Pacific Junior Hockey League. During the 2012–13 season, he recorded 63 points and led the team to the Pacific Junior Hockey League championship title. That success drew attention from higher-level junior scouts and set the stage for his next step.
He advanced to the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), where he played for the Merritt Centennials and later the Surrey Eagles. In his only BCHL season with the Eagles, Heinen led the team in scoring with 62 points in 57 games and earned the league’s Rookie of the Year Award. Following his junior breakout, he was selected by the Boston Bruins in the fourth round, 116th overall, of the 2014 NHL entry draft.
Danton Heinen Career
Collegiate Career (2014–2016)
After graduating from Langley Christian High School in 2013, Heinen accepted a scholarship to attend the University of Denver and play for the Denver Pioneers men’s ice hockey team. In his freshman season of 2014–15, he posted 45 points, including 16 goals and 29 assists, in 40 games. He was named to the Second-Team All-Conference and was a finalist for the NCHC Rookie of the Year award.
During his sophomore campaign of 2015–16, Heinen elevated his production to a career-high 48 points, including a six-point performance in two games that helped the Pioneers reach their first Frozen Four since 2005. He earned First-Team All-NCHC Honors, was named the inaugural ASN Player of the Year, and won the NCHC Forward of the Year award. Opting to turn professional, Heinen signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins.
Boston Bruins Era (2016–2020)
Heinen began his professional career with the Bruins’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Providence Bruins, completing the 2015–16 season. He made his NHL debut during the 2016–17 season but split his time between the AHL and NHL levels. That year, he recorded seven goals and six assists for 13 points in 13 AHL games and was selected for the 2017 AHL All-Star Game, helping Providence reach the Eastern Conference Finals of the Calder Cup playoffs.
In 2017–18, Heinen became a regular for the Bruins. On October 26, 2017, he scored his first two NHL goals in a 2–1 win over the San Jose Sharks. He finished the regular season fifth in team scoring with 16 goals and 31 assists for 47 points. The following season, Heinen played on Boston’s third line during a 2019 Stanley Cup Finals run, recording two goals and six assists in 24 postseason games. On July 9, 2019, he signed a two-year contract extension through the 2020–21 season.
Anaheim Ducks (2020–2021)
On February 24, 2020, Heinen was traded at the NHL trade deadline to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for left winger Nick Ritchie. He scored his first goal as a Duck on February 29 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but his offensive production slowed during the 2020–21 season. He finished with seven goals and 14 points in 43 games, and as a pending restricted free agent, he was not tendered a qualifying offer and became a free agent on July 27, 2021.
Pittsburgh Penguins (2021–2022)
Heinen signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 29, 2021. He earned immediate praise from head coach Mike Sullivan for his offensive instincts and versatility. Skating on the top line during training camp alongside Jake Guentzel and Jeff Carter, Heinen scored in Pittsburgh’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning and continued to produce at even strength, ranking fourth on the team in even-strength goals by April 2022.
Return to Boston (2023–2024)
After a brief stint in the Penguins system, Heinen signed a professional tryout agreement with the Bruins in September 2023 and officially returned to Boston on October 30, 2023, signing a one-year, $775,000 contract. On January 20, 2024, he scored his first career hat trick against the Montreal Canadiens. Heinen finished the year with 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points, his highest total since his rookie season.
Vancouver Canucks (2024)
On July 1, 2024, Heinen signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks, bringing his scoring touch to the Pacific Division. His stay in Vancouver proved short, however, as a midseason trade brought him back to Pittsburgh.
Return to Pittsburgh and Trade to Columbus (2025)
On January 31, 2025, Heinen was traded to Pittsburgh along with a conditional 2025 first-round pick, defenceman Vincent Desharnais, and right wing prospect Melvin Fernström in exchange for defenceman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor. Later, on December 29, 2025, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets alongside second and third-round draft picks in exchange for Egor Chinakhov.
Driving Style and Strengths
Heinen is recognized for his 200-foot game, combining defensive responsibility with offensive instincts. Coaches have praised his high hockey IQ and ability to play up and down the lineup, whether on a scoring line or in a depth role. His versatility as a left winger who can also play the right side has made him a dependable middle-six forward throughout his NHL career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Heinen’s first NHL goals came on October 26, 2017, against the San Jose Sharks. He reached the 2019 Stanley Cup Finals with the Bruins and recorded his first career hat trick on January 20, 2024, against the Montreal Canadiens. His multiple trades between Original Six and Pacific Division clubs highlight his value as a reliable contributor.
Danton Heinen Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Heinen’s parents, Rick and Veronica, raised their family in Langley, British Columbia, where the local hockey community played a central role. His older brother, Cody, also pursued competitive hockey, providing Danton with a built-in training partner and shaping his early competitive drive.
Personal Life
Heinen’s personal life has remained largely private, with no publicly confirmed information regarding a spouse or children. He continues to be recognized for his steady character and commitment to team success.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a turbulent year for Heinen, beginning with his trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 31, 2025, as part of a package involving Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor. Following his return to Pittsburgh, he continued to contribute in a depth role while adapting to a new system and lineup combinations.
Midway through the season, on December 29, 2025, Heinen was traded again, this time to the Columbus Blue Jackets alongside a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick in exchange for forward Egor Chinakhov. The move marked his fifth NHL organization and presented a fresh opportunity for the veteran winger.
Looking ahead, Heinen’s versatility and experience should serve him well as he settles into the Blue Jackets’ lineup. His track record of producing at even strength and fitting into multiple roles suggests he will remain a valuable contributor through the remainder of the 2025 season.
