The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Danton Heinen to a one-year, two-way contract, according to a report from Brian Hedger and a confirmation from the team’s official Twitter account. The deal is described as team-friendly and adds depth to the forward group, with coach Brad Bowness expressing a positive view of Heinen’s versatility.
Heinen, 31, is returning to the Blue Jackets after playing 46 games with the team in the 2025-26 season, recording 6 goals, 6 assists, and 12 points with a +7 rating. Over his career, he has appeared in 612 games, accumulating 102 goals, 151 assists, and 253 points. His role is typically that of a bottom-six forward, playing on checking lines and contributing in a depth role.
Additional reports indicate that the Blue Jackets are still in ongoing discussions with Artemi Panarin and his agent to avoid an arbitration hearing set for 9 a.m. in Toronto the following day. There is no indication of any disagreement between sources on the Heinen signing, as both the team and Hedger confirmed the deal.
The addition of Heinen provides the Blue Jackets with a reliable, experienced forward who can contribute on the checking lines. With the team’s next game still to be determined, the signing adds depth to an already competitive roster.