Anaheim Ducks: 2020 Trade Deadline in Retrospect
By Ciara Durant
Nick Ritchie for Danton Heinen
Fan’s rejoiced at the news that Bob Murray had finally pulled the trigger and sent Nick Ritchie packing. Me, on the other hand, this trade absolutely broke my heart. The former 10th overall selection had not panned out the way we had hoped and his discipline issues were becoming a problem in the eyes of the fans. Quite frankly, it was costing his team too.
Since being traded to Boston however, the 25-year-old power forward has been thriving, and I am here for it. In 34 games he has 20 points, including 10 goals (4th on the team.), and is having quite possibly the best season of his career. His 19 PIM is a big change from his 97 PIM just the season prior. The physical, gritty, mean, and brutal style of hockey the Boston Bruins have been known for suits Ritchie’s personal style far better than Anaheim ever did.
Danton Heinen, on the other hand, has not seemed to find his niche with the Anaheim Ducks. It is to no fault of his own, but for whatever reason, the team has been quick to write him off. It was rumored earlier in the season that he was a part of a trade deal with the Vancouver Canucks for Jake Virtanen. The deal fell through last minute, but since then, Heinen has found himself mismanaged by the Ducks organization.
He has consistently proven that he can be an asset to the Anaheim Ducks lineup, yet he has only appeared in 26 games. In the other 11 games this season, he found himself on the healthy scratch list. Nevertheless, he has the same amount of points as lineup regulars like Max Jones, Isac Lundestrom, and Derek Grant. These point totals were achieved in fewer games but with better underlying stats.