The Boston Bruins have acquired forward Nick Ritchie from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Danton Heinen.
Every year there are one or two trade deadline moves that confuses everyone at first because it wasn\’t expected, then makes more sense as time goes on. This is definitely one of them. Both Heinen and Ritchie are young third liners with potential in down years. This trade also marks the second deal between the teams this weak, after Boston acquired Ondrej Kase for a first round pick, David Backes and Axel Andersson. The players are the same age, with Heinen being roughly 150 days older. Ritchie has scored one more goal this year, but Heinen has three more points. However, Heinen has also played in 17 more games than Ritchie. Ritchie has a higher potential, with more NHL experience. The 10th overall pick in 2014 has never scored 20 goals in a season. Heinen, a 2014 4th rounder, scored a career high 16 goals in 2017-18. The trade works as an energizer for both players. They also will likely take each other\’s spot in the lineup. Heinen has one more year left under contract with a $2.8 million cap hit, and Ritchie has another year left at nearly $1.5 million. Both will be RFAs at the end of their contracts.
Ritchie, 24, has scored eight goals with 11 assists for 19 points in 41 games for the Ducks this year. In his NHL career, all in Anaheim, Ritchie has scored 43 goals with 66 assists for 109 points in 287 games.
Heinen, 24, has scored seven goals with 15 assists for 22 points in 58 games this year. In his NHL career, all with the Bruins, Heinen has scored 34 goals with 69 assists for 103 points in 220 games.
CarterHud 