The Boston Bruins have confirmed that a trade is on the horizon. With a 3-0-0 record, Danton Heinen has been a healthy scratch for three consecutive games, although he's on the road trip, indicating an impending signing.
In the cap-constrained NHL, this situation isn't uncommon, according to an NHL executive source. Heinen's presence on the trip and continued practice with the team suggest a signing is likely. However, the Bruins, like many teams, need to clear cap space to accommodate the move.
Currently, the Boston Bruins have only $550,330 in salary cap space with 22 of 23 roster slots filled, per PuckPedia.
Heinen originally signed a professional tryout contract on September 5, and following training camp's conclusion on October 8, he remained with the team. Despite his impressive performance, cap constraints have delayed the decision. General manager Don Sweeney expressed the difficulty of the situation, saying, "We're still weighing our options as it relates to potentially signing Danton [Heinen]."
The emergence of rookie centers John Beecher and Matt Poitras on the opening night roster created cap-related complications. A move to clear cap space is imminent, potentially involving waiving forward Patrick Brown or a trade, with defensemen Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort being possible candidates.
