While the Boston Bruins haven’t confirmed the deal, multiple sources are noting the Bruins made their first move on Monday’s NHL Trade Deadline. According to Sportsnet’s insider Elliotte Friedman, the Bruins have shipped forward Danton Heinen out of Boston picking up Anaheim Ducks’ forward Nick Ritchie in return.
Heinen’s $2.8 million cap hit is almost twice the size of Ritchie’s $1.49 million salary and that likely explains the purpose behind the move. Potentially also noting that the Bruins had given Heinen time to make it work but he never really proved he was a long-term fit, Ritchie gives the Bruins more options.
Heinen did score 11 goals and 34 points in 77 games last season. This season, he’s scored seven goals and 22 points in 58 games. He should welcome a change of scenery and is an effective two-way forward.
Ritchie is a physical forward who will fit the Bruins style well. A 24-year old Ritchie was a 10th-overall pick in 2014 but has a career-high of 14 goals to this point. Ritchie had a career-high four-point game for Anaheim yesterday, scoring twice.
The Bruins needed more depth in their bottom-six.
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