Danton Heinen Signs with Boston Bruins

Denver sophomore forward Danton Heinen has signed an entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins, giving up his final two years of eligibility.

Heinen was selected in the fourth round, 116th overall by the Bruins in the 2014 NHL Draft. The next season, Heinen exploded onto the scene as a freshman with Denver, scoring 16-29-45 in 40 games. He improved on those numbers as a sophomore with 20-28-48 in 41 games, and helped lead Denver to the Frozen Four thanks to an incredible second half of the season. He made strides in his second season to become a stronger, more complete player as well.

We ranked Heinen as the 12th-best NHL prospect in the NCAA last season:

Faced with big expectations after a surprisingly strong freshman season, Heinen got off to a slow start in the first half of his second year at Denver. But his second half was absolutely stunning. Starting January 22nd, Heinen registered at least one point in 18 straight games, with 11 of those games being multi-point efforts.

Heinen is a smooth, calm player that exhibits incredible hockey sense. He's continued to add some of the extra muscle he'll need at the NHL level. He has the elite skill necessary to be a top-six scoring line forward at the NHL level.

Heinen is expected to finish the season in Providence in the AHL before competing for an NHL roster spot next season.