The Boston Bruins are signaling a forthcoming trade as they maintain their perfect 3-0-0 record. Danton Heinen has watched the past three games from the sidelines, yet his presence on the road trip implies an impending signing.
Amid the constraints of the NHL's salary cap, this situation aligns with the norm, as noted by an NHL executive source. Heinen's continued participation in team activities on the road trip strongly suggests an imminent signing. However, the Bruins, like many other teams, are grappling with the need to clear cap space for this transaction.
As it stands, the Boston Bruins possess a mere $550,330 in salary cap space, with 22 of their 23 roster slots already occupied, as per PuckPedia.
Heinen initially inked a professional tryout contract on September 5, and his involvement in team activities continued beyond the conclusion of training camp on October 8. The cap complexities have resulted in a delay in the decision-making process. General manager Don Sweeney articulated the challenge, stating, "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 has compounded the salary cap puzzle. Consequently, a move to create cap space is imminent, potentially entailing the waiving of forward Patrick Brown or even a trade. Defensemen Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort might enter the conversation as possible candidates.
