The Boston Bruins made their second move of the trade deadline Monday afternoon as they acquired Nick Ritchie from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Danton Heinen. While the Bruins have been linked to wingers such as Kyle Palmieri, Ritchie will help improve their bottom six.
In 41 games this season, Ritchie has 8 goals and 11 assists. He has been effective on the powerplay, where he has three points, including two goals. The former first-round pick’s best season came last year when he had nine goals and a career-high 22 assists. Although he is not the goal scorer many Bruins fans were hoping for he does add some size to their bottom six.
The newest addition to the #NHLBruins Nick Ritchie. In 41 games this season he has 8 goals and 11 assists. pic.twitter.com/oDdEIs3sGI
— Jamie Gatlin (@JamieGatlin17) February 24, 2020
With the addition of the Ritchie, the Bruins are saying goodbye to Danton Heinen, who has had a solid run in Boston. The former fourth-round pick will finish his career in Boston with 34 goals and 69 assists in 220 games. In 58 games so far this year, he has seven goals and 15 assists.
Additionally, with this move, the Bruins will free up 1.5 million in cap space, giving them more room this offseason to resign key players such as Torey Krug and Jake DeBrusk. Ritchie is not afraid to drop his gloves a quality that Heinen lacked and the Bruins have lacked year. The veteran winger also has two game-winning goals this year and is not a free agent until after next season.
Although Heinen plays a good all-around game, he never emerged to much more than a third-line winger. With this move, Sweeny has improved the Bruin’s depth as they look to return to the Stanley Cup Finals.
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