The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that forward Danton Heinen has been placed on waivers. Alongside this move, forward Blake Lizotte will be moved to injured reserve.
This marks the second instance this season that Heinen has been placed on waivers, following a similar event in early October. The 30-year-old winger is now available for other NHL teams to claim.
Heinen has played 13 games with Pittsburgh this season, contributing one goal, one assist, and a plus-1 rating. Last season, he totaled nine goals, 20 assists, and 29 points over 79 games between the Vancouver Canucks and the Penguins.
If no team claims Heinen off waivers, Pittsburgh may send him to their AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Heinen showed strong performance with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton earlier this season, notching six goals and 17 points in 12 games during the 2025-26 season.
Over his 10-season NHL career spanning 579 games, Heinen has accumulated 97 goals, 146 assists, and 243 points.
Fan Take: This development is significant for hockey fans because it highlights the competitive nature of roster spots in the NHL and the constant shifts players face. Heinen’s waiver status could open opportunities for other teams to strengthen their lineup or for him to redefine his role within the Penguins’ system, reflecting the dynamic and challenging career paths in professional hockey.
