Blue Jackets re-sign Danton Heinen to one-year deal

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Danton Heinen has re-signed with the team on a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season, providing veteran depth as the Jackets piece together their forward group. The contract pays $1 million at the NHL level (with a $550,000 AHL figure on the two-way deal and a guaranteed minimum of $700,000), and allows Columbus to rotate Heinen between the NHL and Cleveland’s AHL roster as needed. Heinen, 31, joined Columbus in December 2025 in a trade from Pittsburgh and appeared in 46 games between the Penguins and Blue Jackets with six goals and six assists, forming a reliable bottom-six option. The two-way arrangement gives the club added flexibility during a rebuild, while continuing to use Heinen as a familiar, versatile winger who can play multiple forward roles. Heinen’s return follows a year where his contributions helped stabilize the lineup after the midseason trade, and multiple outlets note the deal emphasizes cost-efficient depth for Columbus. Ongoing discussions with other restricted free agents, including potential arbitration for teammates, underscore the Jackets’ broader negotiations as they finalize their roster for next season.