Heatley's Return 'Doable', says Melnyk

Hockeyhero22000 wrote:speklund is saying there is a deal on that would send cheechoo to the islanders adn he believes it could be done soon (within 24 hours) maybe clearing space to go after healtey???

rooneypoo wrote:

Hockeyhero22000 wrote:speklund is saying there is a deal on that would send cheechoo to the islanders adn he believes it could be done soon (within 24 hours) maybe clearing space to go after healtey???

SJ has to clear cap space no matter what. They are just $1.3 mil under the cap now, and still have 5 roster positions to fill (4 forwards, 1 backup goalie).

That, combined with the fact that Ron Wilson has promised a major roster shake up, suggests to me that we must expect major movement in SJ.

Whether or not any of that has anything to do with, or might lead to, a deal for Heatley, however, is I think too soon to tell.

Tuk Tuk Goose wrote:

rooneypoo wrote:

Hockeyhero22000 wrote:speklund is saying there is a deal on that would send cheechoo to the islanders adn he believes it could be done soon (within 24 hours) maybe clearing space to go after healtey???

SJ has to clear cap space no matter what. They are just $1.3 mil under the cap now, and still have 5 roster positions to fill (4 forwards, 1 backup goalie).

That, combined with the fact that Ron Wilson has promised a major roster shake up, suggests to me that we must expect major movement in SJ.

Whether or not any of that has anything to do with, or might lead to, a deal for Heatley, however, is I think too soon to tell.

What would the Leafs coach care what San Jose does

Doug Wilson might care though

Hockeyhero22000 wrote:speklund is saying there is a deal on that would send cheechoo to the islanders adn he believes it could be done soon (within 24 hours) maybe clearing space to go after healtey???

beerandsens wrote:http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2009/07/10/10095276.html

Heatley haunts Melnyk



Sens owner laments $14M he's given winger in last year: 'I have to stop thinking about it'

By CHRIS STEVENSON Sun Media


Eugene Melnyk is frustrated.
The Senators owner didn’t like stroking a cheque for unhappy winger Dany Heatley, who received a $4-million (all terms US) lump-sum payment of his salary July 1, meaning Melnyk has shelled out $14 million since last fall for Heatley.
“For one year of play, 39 goals ... I have to stop thinking about it,” Melnyk said on the Team 1200 yesterday.
But Melnyk said he and his hockey braintrust can’t do much more now than sit back and let the Heatley situation play itself out.
Melnyk said he wishes Heatley’s request to be traded hadn’t become public, though it’s still not clear exactly how word of his request leaked out.
“Whoever is handling this gave him some bad advice. It’s the stupidest thing you can do, make this pronouncement and do it this way,” said Melnyk. Heatley is represented by agents J.P. Barry and Stacey McAlpine.
They did not make the request public when it was communicated to Senators GM Bryan Murray June 4, but they have since confirmed Heatley asked to be traded.
The fact it became public is moot now. It is unlikely a deal to move a player of Heatley’s stature could have been engineered without word getting around NHL circles that he had asked to be traded. It remains to be seen how public knowledge of the situation has affected the process other than to ignite a firestorm of criticism directed at Heatley by Senators fans.
“We’ve done everything to accommodate his request,” said Melnyk. “At this point, we’re sitting back and looking forward to hearing what he’s got to say.”
Melnyk said he knows there are rumours flying around saying there must be more to the situation than just friction between Heatley and coach Cory Clouston and unhappiness on Heatley’s part in the direction the franchise is taking.
“Everyone is looking for some conspiracy theory, but it’s as simple as that,” said Melnyk. “The bottom line is there is no real conspiracy. Everything you’ve seen and heard in the media is accurate.”
Melnyk said a deal to send Heatley to the Oilers is still on the table, “but only for so long and after that his only option is to report to training camp.”
Alex Kovalev was signed as a free agent Monday to a two-year, $10-million deal.
“We have to move on and we’re moving on,” said Melnyk. “We got an elite forward who can replace (Heatley). Either way, we’re ready to go forward ... without Alex signing on, I might be nervous about our competitiveness. There will be nights when people will be in awe. (Kovalev) playing with (Jason) Spezza or alongside Alfie (Daniel Alfredsson), I think you’re going to see magic.”

Not too much new here, but I didn't know that there is still an Oilers deal "on the table". I just thought there was still potential for a deal to be put together. I wonder how this deal differs from the one pre-bonus payment?

davetherave wrote:Zool>what will you do with your sig...


DIE HEATLEY!

...if M&M say all is forgiven (or they can't trade him) and Dany comes back?

Zoolander wrote:

davetherave wrote:Zool>what will you do with your sig...


DIE HEATLEY!

...if M&M say all is forgiven (or they can't trade him) and Dany comes back?

Fortunately for me, I don't have to forgive Heatley, or even tolerate him, since I am not part of the organization. I can hate him from afar. The avatar will probably die though once he is moved. It will be missed.

Bass Destruction wrote:

Zoolander wrote:

davetherave wrote:Zool>what will you do with your sig...


DIE HEATLEY!

...if M&M say all is forgiven (or they can't trade him) and Dany comes back?

Fortunately for me, I don't have to forgive Heatley, or even tolerate him, since I am not part of the organization. I can hate him from afar. The avatar will probably die though once he is moved. It will be missed.

I think somebody is back from Italy... With a vengeance!!!

Vendetta Heatley...

Mojo wrote:I agree too, but the one kink in that plan would be what if the team is on fire next year with Heatley in the lineup? If he is still there, we would have one of the nicest top 2 lines in the league. If Leclaire is playing lights out, it could help even further. Obviously there area few what-ifs in there, but none that are preposterous. If it looks like they have a legitimate shot at a long playoff run, it may be difficult to trade him. But then again, that would also only help his trade value in the off season.

I still back Murray fully in waiting this one out and getting a deal that mkes sense for Ottawa, not just one that makes sense for Dany.

wprager wrote:First, I still don't see it said anywhere that his girlfriend has had anything to do with this. Does Dany even have a significant other (I'm talking about off-ice, so other than Spezza)?

Second, I think we are all over-using that Team Canada card. He's got the record and still has some years after this to pad it further. While I'm sure he'd *love* to be on that team, I don't think it's necessarily his greatest desire. If he's still on the Sens roster come October, I can easily see him playing his usual game -- barely any forecheck, no backcheck, stick in the air waiting for a pass. If he's passionate about leaving, and if he's convinced that playing well is the best chance he has, then we might see him look like he gives a crap.

The kink is very far-fetched. The Sens don't have the D necessary for a long Cup run. Boston, with Chara in the lineup and Thomas playing (for the most part) excellent in goal, wasn't enough. We will be there when Karlsson, Wiercioch and Cowen are in the lineup, and with 3-5 years' combined experience between them, but we're not there yet.

Now, the scary part about a deadline deal. What happens if he is moved, plays lights out and wins the Cup? I'd prefer that he is moved to a team that is struggling to make the playoffs. The return will be better (picks).

wprager wrote:If Dany is even more picky in March then we wait until draft day. By March we will have paid him about 85% of his salary. We get a good deal, or no deal.