When Heatley finally steps up to the mike, how is going to explain to people that he wants out of Ottawa to be the 'go to leader' of a team.
Because, make no mistake, that's what he wants. I would wager big money that he wants to be a real assistant captain or even straight to the C on another team. He wants to play 25 minutes, 1st line, 1st PP unit, PK - everything. When you think of his next team, he wants you to think of him.
As Iginla is synonymous with Calgary, and Alfredsson to Ottawa - Heatley wants to be synonymous with...someone else.
Why though? We'll have to wait and see what he says, but from my POV it's not just a pride thing, it's a career thing. Heatley wants to be THE MAN on his team. Which, of course, leads us to the next question: how does Dany Boyle feel about this? Joe Thornton? The current, albeit doomed, captain Patrick Marleau? Future captain materials like Ryan Clowe?
How do they all feel about this juggernaut coming to town. A guy who has one thing on his mind: lead his next team and be 'the man'? If I was there long term (again, Dany Boyle) and I heard of Heatley's desires to come to my team, I would be intrigued, but I'd also get a whiff of danger. What happens to me if I'm named captain and we acquire Heatley say...next summer? Am I safe, or do I get stripped of my captaincy by this guy?
Joe Thornton is thinking: this guy will come in and immediately get in front of me for the next job of captain. Why is that? Because of our playoff failures? What's he won?
This is the reason Heatley wants out - I'd lay good money on it. So what will become of the next team he goes to? Will we all of a sudden read an article that says: 'Dany Boyle asks for a trade', then endure months of silence?
Maybe, but at least it won't be here.
Because, make no mistake, that's what he wants. I would wager big money that he wants to be a real assistant captain or even straight to the C on another team. He wants to play 25 minutes, 1st line, 1st PP unit, PK - everything. When you think of his next team, he wants you to think of him.
As Iginla is synonymous with Calgary, and Alfredsson to Ottawa - Heatley wants to be synonymous with...someone else.
Why though? We'll have to wait and see what he says, but from my POV it's not just a pride thing, it's a career thing. Heatley wants to be THE MAN on his team. Which, of course, leads us to the next question: how does Dany Boyle feel about this? Joe Thornton? The current, albeit doomed, captain Patrick Marleau? Future captain materials like Ryan Clowe?
How do they all feel about this juggernaut coming to town. A guy who has one thing on his mind: lead his next team and be 'the man'? If I was there long term (again, Dany Boyle) and I heard of Heatley's desires to come to my team, I would be intrigued, but I'd also get a whiff of danger. What happens to me if I'm named captain and we acquire Heatley say...next summer? Am I safe, or do I get stripped of my captaincy by this guy?
Joe Thornton is thinking: this guy will come in and immediately get in front of me for the next job of captain. Why is that? Because of our playoff failures? What's he won?
This is the reason Heatley wants out - I'd lay good money on it. So what will become of the next team he goes to? Will we all of a sudden read an article that says: 'Dany Boyle asks for a trade', then endure months of silence?
Maybe, but at least it won't be here.