Anthony Travalgia: The enigma that has been Danton Heinen It's been an up and down season for Danton Heinen as the battle for playing time continues.

Basically summarized this in last blog but it fits:

The Heinen hate is so weird to me. He's a guy that plays, almost never, on a consistent line, and in the last 2 years has 81 points. He's not making much money, he's a 4th round pick and a 3rd line player and when Heinen-Coyle-Bjork was a consistent line they looked good.

The kid is 8th on the team in points sure.... he is defensively sound. I just don't understand the hatred for a guy that is basically playing the role he should play

Heinen for Andreas Johnsson

OMG Anthony, don't you dare say anything bad about Danton Heinen, His HB Fan Club will not be happy with you

who knows what it is but he's been missing something All year, I think he is lacking the aggression to do what is needed to do to play 3rd or 4th line in the NHL
Look at Lindholm this year, Hell Nordstrom was fantastic in the playoffs last year and he must weigh only 150 lbs So I'm not saying he has to drop his gloves but he has to fight more than he is and I don't think he can. The Bruins need all the Salary cap space they can get so I'd be looking to shed his right now

Basically summarized this in last blog but it fits:

The Heinen hate is so weird to me. He's a guy that plays, almost never, on a consistent line, and in the last 2 years has 81 points. He's not making much money, he's a 4th round pick and a 3rd line player and when Heinen-Coyle-Bjork was a consistent line they looked good.

The kid is 8th on the team in points sure.... he is defensively sound. I just don't understand the hatred for a guy that is basically playing the role he should play
- MrBeanTown

Love Heinen. He'll be fine.

OMG Anthony, don't you dare say anything bad about Danton Heinen, His HB Fan Club will not be happy with you

who knows what it is but he's been missing something All year, I think he is lacking the aggression to do what is needed to do to play 3rd or 4th line in the NHL
Look at Lindholm this year, Hell Nordstrom was fantastic in the playoffs last year and he must weigh only 150 lbs So I'm not saying he has to drop his gloves but he has to fight more than he is and I don't think he can. The Bruins need all the Salary cap space they can get so I'd be looking to shed his right now
- BruinBlood

I'm a big fan of Heinen and I think he gets undervalued in this town. When you say he needs to "fight more than he is" do you mean puck battle wise? Or actually dropping the gloves? If it's the former, then I agree. He needs to be better in his puck battles and be more aggressive.

Like I pointed out in the blog, I think a big issue for him has been his failure to get to the net. Part of that is fighting his way to those dirty areas. Looks like he's in the lineup again tonight and will play with Coyle and Bjork. Although I do think that's the best fit for him, I liked Kuraly on that line. Wouldn't be surprised to see an early swap tonight if Heinen struggles out of the gate.

OMG Anthony, don't you dare say anything bad about Danton Heinen, His HB Fan Club will not be happy with you

who knows what it is but he's been missing something All year, I think he is lacking the aggression to do what is needed to do to play 3rd or 4th line in the NHL
Look at Lindholm this year, Hell Nordstrom was fantastic in the playoffs last year and he must weigh only 150 lbs So I'm not saying he has to drop his gloves but he has to fight more than he is and I don't think he can. The Bruins need all the Salary cap space they can get so I'd be looking to shed his right now
- BruinBlood

Don't think is a "fan club" but more so people who realize he is a good utility player who can play up and down the lineup at an affordable salary and chip in points. Not the problem

Don't think is a "fan club" but more so people who realize he is a good utility player who can play up and down the lineup at an affordable salary and chip in points. Not the problem
- MrBeanTown

I'm probably one of the more vocal "detractors" of Heinen's and I actually like him and think he is a good player. My problem is that based on his true rookie season, more is "expected" of him and there has been little to no growth since then, and in most measurables, a regression. His place on the roster could be filled by any number of players currently in the Bruins organization (including P-Bruins) and that is not where we should be with him at this point in his career. Although still young, this is his third full season with the club and he should have addressed areas of his game that have been pointed out by the coaching staff (those items listed here on this thread) that would help to contribute more to the team.

I'm probably one of the more vocal "detractors" of Heinen's and I actually like him and think he is a good player. My problem is that based on his true rookie season, more is "expected" of him and there has been little to no growth since then, and in most measurables, a regression. His place on the roster could be filled by any number of players currently in the Bruins organization (including P-Bruins) and that is not where we should be with him at this point in his career. Although still young, this is his third full season with the club and he should have addressed areas of his game that have been pointed out by the coaching staff (those items listed here on this thread) that would help to contribute more to the team.
- bluemoon737

this

Love Heinen. He'll be fine.
- shoreorrpark

for nickname alone... "look at the Heiney on that line" I want him to succeed, and like said before, bruins have 5 guys just like him. Make him part of the package for Hall, I'm OK with that.

for nickname alone... "look at the Heiney on that line" I want him to succeed, and like said before, bruins have 5 guys just like him. Make him part of the package for Hall, I'm OK with that.
- 77emac77

YES, couldn't agree more
If you say anything negative about someone suddenly you hate the guy.

If it's the former, then I agree. He needs to be better in his puck battles and be more aggressive.

Anthony YES I'm saying to the net, long the boards and in the Neutral Zone, too many Flyby's IMO, a HARD no on dropping the mitts, Not in his best interest.
He had a decent game last night so, maybe he can get some confidence back, however he is a good trade chip to bring someone in here at the deadline, BUT obviously not for a rental.

Oh and Man Brandon Carlo has taken a GIANT STEP this year, he looks like a legitimate Top 2 or 3 guy right now and he's being physical everywhere !! gotta Love the progression

Anthony, we heard Bob McKenzie mention Josh Anderson ?????? could be a target for the Bruins I say What ? GO GET HIM, yes he's been injured all year but he is getting ready for a return and that is an Impact player Imagine Anderson-Krejci-DeBrusk I think that woukd give the Bruins All the bite they need.

What do you think ??

Anthony, we heard Bob McKenzie mention Josh Anderson ?????? could be a target for the Bruins I say What ? GO GET HIM, yes he's been injured all year but he is getting ready for a return and that is an Impact player Imagine Anderson-Krejci-DeBrusk I think that woukd give the Bruins All the bite they need.

What do you think ??
- BruinBlood

They absolutely are in on Anderson and I wouldn't hate the move depending on if they add more than just him.

He's got some size to him for sure and could potentially fit in with DeBrusk and Krejci, but think he's more suited for a third line role.

He had a combined 106 points in the past 3 seasons which is nice, but I am a bit concerned with what he's been going through this season.

And let's not forget that he's still on IR as of today. He's got a shoulder injury that could potentially nag him for the rest of the season. Other than skating on his own, he hasn't practiced in about 8 weeks. So who knows where he is injury wise in a week and a half at the deadline.

If the Bruins are looking to add a top-six and bottom-six, I am for it. Let's say they add a Toffoli and Anderson. But if they're looking to just add one piece at the deadline, Anderson doesn't move the needle enough for me.