Following a season that ended with a loss in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, Heinen realizes that there is plenty for him to improve upon during this abbreviated summer break - mainly in the offensive end, where he believes he can be aggressive with his shot.
"You always want to score more goals," said Heinen, who notched just two goals and six assists in 24 postseason contests. "There's nothing better than scoring…I've always worked on my shot in the summertime and continue to work on it, but I think that's definitely something I'll emphasize, and I'm going to continue to work on.
"I think I also need to get in a mindset where I'm shooting more and am more confident in my shot because [of] different opportunities I might pass up...I believe in my shot, and I believe I can score. I think it's just continuing believing in that and working on it."
After a stellar rookie campaign in 2017-18, during which he tallied 47 points (16 goals, 31 assists) in 77 games to rank fourth on the Bruins in scoring, Heinen went through what can be considered a bit of a sophomore slump. The 6-foot-1, 188-pound left shot once again suited up for 77 regular-season contests but saw his offensive numbers dip to 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists).
"I think as a player you try not to get your head wrapped around too much in numbers," said Heinen. "I just want to be helping the team. For me, as an all-around player, I felt more comfortable round two in my all-around game. Sometimes that's the way it works, situational.
"Every year is different, but I think if you keep on working on the details and trying to improve your all-around game, all that stuff will come. So, that's what I'm focusing on, just keep on getting better and keep on focusing on the little things."