Bruins Re-sign Forward Danton Heinen

The Boston Bruins have signed one of their three RFA’s in Danton Heinen. Heinen signed a two-year deal worth $2.8 Million a season. Heinen has been a solid player for the Bruins and has played up and down the lineup and found ways to contribute. Heinen found some great chemistry with Charlie Coyle and they could end up together on a line next season. The Bruins still have two RFA’s left to sign McAvoy and Brandon Carlo.

With only $7.3 million left in cap space something has to give for the Bruins to be able to sign Carlo and McAvoy.  As it stands they won’t be able to sign both with only a little bit of space. So now they will have to explore some trade options, the most likely candidates would be Miller, Moore, and Backes. The only way to get rid of Backes would be to pin a first round pick to him and likely add a low-level prospect.

Sweeney has stated he doesn’t like giving away first round picks. Moore improved his value in the playoffs and performed well down the stretch. He’s got a $2.75 million cap hit and is signed for four more years. Next up would be Kevan Miller who’s coming off injury again and has a history of being injured every year. Miller carries a $2.5 million cap hit. The move that gives them the biggest relief is obviously Backes but he’s the toughest contract to trade and not too many teams would be willing to take on that big of a hit for the next few years.

The Bruins still have plenty of time to sort things out but unless someone takes a big discount they need to make a move or two before the start of the season. Sweeney might have to trade away his depth on the blueline or suck it up and move Backes with a first rounder. A lot of summer left to figure it out.

-Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith4386)