The Heatley Saga: What's in store in the next 30 days?

Here is what I'd like to hear Heatley say...

"It has come to my attention that it was indeed my own agent that leaked my trade request to the press. He has been fired as of today."

That's what I'd like to hear.

shabbs wrote:Here is what I'd like to hear Heatley say...

"It has come to my attention that it was indeed my own agent that leaked my trade request to the press. He has been fired as of today."

That's what I'd like to hear.

good luck on that one I am thinking, his agents seem to be sticking with him through thick and thin. He needs to hire Jerry MacGuire :^^^^:

rooneypoo wrote:

wprager wrote:Haven't seen anything with a time, but don't expect much. This is from Dreger's column:

Heatley will be accompanied in Kelowna by agent Stacey McAlpine who
says we shouldn't expect his client to shed much light on why the star
winger wants out of Ottawa. "There are several factors and a variety
of reasons," McAlpine told TSN. "However, out of respect to the Ottawa
Senators and all involved, Dany is not getting into specifics...that
will remain confidential."

I think that second bolded statement deserves the monkey.

out of respect to the Ottawa
Senators

So, what, you'd rather him come out and say, "I want out of OTT because it's a loser franchise, having been mismanaged for years, from the highest levels and down into the dressing room. The management is inept, and the locker room toxic; we've been bleeding talent ever since Chara left and substance abuse has been an issue for a while now [see: McGratton, Emery, Redden, etc.]." I know I sure as hell don't want him saying that in front of a world-wide audience.

As I've been saying forever, we need to at least consider the possibility that Heatley is doing us all a favour by not speaking out on his reasons for asking a trade. We might not at all like what the truth does to our organization's reputation, or the reputation of one of its prime assets -- which, whether you love him or hate him, Heatley is.

The truth is that there's nothing he can say -- short of "I'm sorry, I goofed, I'm going to work hard to make you guys love and respect me again," which is really what everyone clamouring for him to speak wants to hear -- that won't make either him or the team look bad. Either he is conciliatory or he white-washes, but it will never be 'the whole truth,' and we're probably better off leaving it at that. I don't know why this is so hard for most people around here to understand.

My issue with the above is that, for one, this is McAlpine paving the way for Dany to say nothing worth saying. All through this Heatley has been doing nothing that would benefit this team. The only reason he is "talking" now is that he was pretty much given an ultimatum by Yzerman. Again, he's doing this for purely selfish reasons -- to preserve his spot on Team Canada. If not for that, we probably wouldn't see or hear from Heatley until he came to camp, and then he'd sit in the corner of the room with his earbuds in his ears.

OK, so maybe that was a little over the top, but the point still remains: he is only doing *this* for himself, so to couch it by saying he is not going to say anything out of respect for the Senators just makes me cringe.

As to the rest of your comments, why didn't he want out *when* Emery and McGrattan and Redden were here? Isn't the situation better now, then when those fiends were on the team? And as for mismanagement, why wasn't he quitting when Paddock ran the team into the ground after that 15-3 start? Or when Hartsburg came in and told everyone to play the trap, which destroyed their confidence? In Clouston we have finally found a coach whose system plays to the strengths of the team assembled for him by the GM, and who actually practices the accountability that Hartsburg only preached.

wprager wrote:

My issue with the above is that, for one, this is McAlpine paving the way for Dany to say nothing worth saying. All through this Heatley has been doing nothing that would benefit this team. The only reason he is "talking" now is that he was pretty much given an ultimatum by Yzerman. Again, he's doing this for purely selfish reasons -- to preserve his spot on Team Canada. If not for that, we probably wouldn't see or hear from Heatley until he came to camp, and then he'd sit in the corner of the room with his earbuds in his ears.

OK, so maybe that was a little over the top, but the point still remains: he is only doing *this* for himself, so to couch it by saying he is not going to say anything out of respect for the Senators just makes me cringe.

As to the rest of your comments, why didn't he want out *when* Emery and McGrattan and Redden were here? Isn't the situation better now, then when those fiends were on the team? And as for mismanagement, why wasn't he quitting when Paddock ran the team into the ground after that 15-3 start? Or when Hartsburg came in and told everyone to play the trap, which destroyed their confidence? In Clouston we have finally found a coach whose system plays to the strengths of the team assembled for him by the GM, and who actually practices the accountability that Hartsburg only preached.

Even if he's only speaking now because people in positions of power with Team Canada have demanded he do so, that says absolutely nothing about his reasons for not speaking between early June and now. He may well be not speaking because what he has to say will hurt the team or his (former?) teammates, and he knows it.

In any event, I fail to see how holing himself up in Kelowna and getting positively demonized by the fanbase and eaten alive in the PR battle because of his silence is automatically "selfish" or "me-centric." From his perspective, it would have been a hell of a lot easier just to step up and push the team or organization under the bus to save his own reputation. Think anyone would be bad-mouthing Heatley right now if he came out and said, oh I dunno, drug use is rampant in the locker room, for instance, and he doesn't see a future for that team? That would have saved his skin immediately. Stepping up to say something like thhat doesn't take balls; it takes a selfish, disrespectful nature. It takes real balls to shut your mouth and take one for the team, tho' -- which may well be among the reasons why he's been silent for so long.

A lot of people around here have been way too quick to judge on this issue, and the anger and resentment are clouding judgments. We don't know he real reasons for wanting out, and we should all be smart enough to realize that if that specific information on that front ever got out, it would damage either the team or one of its prime assets (making him virtually unmoveable, in fact). If he comes out and says anything other than "I'm sorry, I goofed, take me back," it's a lose-lose situation for him to explain his reasons.

As for the point you make about "why now, why not after 2007-08?", it's really beside the point. It's Heatley's perception of the facts, not that facts themselves as we collectively perceive them that matter. Maybe those things (Paddock, Emery, McGratton, etc.) are all contributing factors -- cumulative events that lead him, slowly and irrevocably, to his decision. Who knows. What matters is that, regardless of his reasons for wanting off the team, there's just no way to spin it so it doesn't seriously damage the reputation of the team or one of its prime assets.

I hope we never hear the 'whole story' behind his request, at least not while Heatley's here and on our team. If that news gets out while he's still here, it would be a very bad day for the Senators organization.

I think deep down, we all want to secretly know the real reason he wants to leave, but I agree with Dr. Poo... if he made the real reasons public, it would probably hurt the team more than anything.

shabbs wrote:I think deep down, we all want to secretly know the real reason he wants to leave, but I agree with Dr. Poo... if he made the real reasons public, it would probably hurt the team more than anything.

Yep, I can't see a single positive thing for the Sens organization coming out of learning 'the whole story' behind his trade request, and a whole slew of bad things. The demand itself is being fueled by anger and a kind of National Enquirer-esque desire to investigate the minutae of a man many are out to demonize.

It's misguided, and it's wrong-headed. I guarantee you that the people clamouring the most for Heatley to speak on the subject would be the loudest to complain about how, by opening his mouth, he single-handed ruined the reputation of the Senators or made himself untradeable and a burden to the team. Guarantee it.

The Heatley rhetoric around here has long ago reached pitch fever.

cas wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:The Score has Karlsson as the top Calder candidate on D.

link?

I dunno if there is a link. I went and bought the Score Forecaster, the Hockey News Stats mag. and we thought seriously about also buying the NHL magazine, but thought it would be overkill (we'll get it this afternoon ). In the Score Forecaster it's in the D section where it talks about rookies.

They're REAL high on Karlsson. They have him as the top Calder Candidate and the 2nd only to Hedman in the 'next Gen D stars' areas.

shabbs wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:The Score has Karlsson as the top Calder candidate on D.

For the 2010/11 season?

They say he's a Calder Candidate for this year. Seem to think he can not only make the team, but man PP1.

shabbs wrote:Here is what I'd like to hear Heatley say...

"It has come to my attention that it was indeed my own agent that leaked my trade request to the press. He has been fired as of today."

That's what I'd like to hear.

A firing or two would sooth it over a little, yes.

shabbs wrote:I think deep down, we all want to secretly know the real reason he wants to leave, but I agree with Dr. Poo... if he made the real reasons public, it would probably hurt the team more than anything.

I still think that the real reason is exactly what has been said: Clouston demanded effort and reduced Heatley's ice time while upping the ice time of players like Shannon and Foligno, who were busting their a$$es. As a result, the team did better under Clouston, but Heatley only saw the effect it had on his ice time. Last game of the season and he's still more worried about getting #40 than trying to help the team win. (Yes, I understand the irony in that post -- that by scoring his 40th he would actually be helping the team win; but with that stick way up in the air, everyone on the ice knows he's there, including the other team, so there is actually a better chance of scoring a goal by doing something else.)

wprager wrote:

shabbs wrote:I think deep down, we all want to secretly know the real reason he wants to leave, but I agree with Dr. Poo... if he made the real reasons public, it would probably hurt the team more than anything.

I still think that the real reason is exactly what has been said: Clouston demanded effort and reduced Heatley's ice time while upping the ice time of players like Shannon and Foligno, who were busting their a$$es. As a result, the team did better under Clouston, but Heatley only saw the effect it had on his ice time. Last game of the season and he's still more worried about getting #40 than trying to help the team win. (Yes, I understand the irony in that post -- that by scoring his 40th he would actually be helping the team win; but with that stick way up in the air, everyone on the ice knows he's there, including the other team, so there is actually a better chance of scoring a goal by doing something else.)

If that's the case (and it well might be), then I certainly don't want to see him returning to the topic or dwelling on it. It doesn't do his reputation any good, which in turn makes it even harder for us to move him.

Whatever he says today ought to be conciliatory -- friendly or at least respectful towards the organization, the teammates, and any potential suitors out there. He's backed himself into a tight spot here, and the only way out is to show that he's not what everyone is saying he is. That means saying all the right things and giving 110% on the ice every night, starting today.

That's what's best for him, his trade demand, and the team.

Apparently, Bill "the drunk" Watters has the solution for all our problems...

Spezza and Heatley for Marleau and Thornton.

shabbs wrote:Apparently, Bill "the drunk" Watters has the solution for all our problems...

Spezza and Heatley for Marleau and Thornton.

No thanks.

shabbs wrote:Apparently, Bill "the drunk" Watters has the solution for all our problems...

Spezza and Heatley for Marleau and Thornton.

Yeah, pass.

shabbs wrote:Apparently, Bill "the drunk" Watters has the solution for all our problems...

Spezza and Heatley for Marleau and Thornton.

It's like postponing Heatley and Spezza in a few years, but worse

marakh wrote:

shabbs wrote:Apparently, Bill "the drunk" Watters has the solution for all our problems...

Spezza and Heatley for Marleau and Thornton.

It's like postponing Heatley and Spezza in a few years, but worse

At least Spezza/Heatley has been out of the 2nd round. Thornton has never even made it past that.

I read on Garner's HB blog that Marleau and Thornton share the distinction of both being captains to lead their teams to 100 point seasons, only to go pointless in a first round loss that year.

After all the playoff no-shows we've seen over the years, I don't want either of these guys.

FireOnIce wrote:

rooneypoo wrote:

FireOnIce wrote:

rooneypoo wrote:The less cap space you have at the start of the year, the more of a gamble you're taking. Look what happened to CLG this year, and EDM the year before that: towards the end of the season, they actually had to ice teams with less than 20 players. Those injury expenses can really add up.

And don't forget about Bobby Ryan last year with Anaheim. The only reason he was down in the AHL at the start of last year was Cap space. Once they could fit his salary on the books, he was up with the big club.

Rooney is spot on again.

Thank you, sir -- although you may be unhappy to hear that while I'm mentally prepared for Heatley to return to the Senators, I (unlike you) still think the odds favour him getting traded before the season starts.

It will take a major PR overhaul of epic proportions to fix this situation--within the organization, in the locker room, and with the fans. Given Heatley's silence and reticence, I'm not sure it's coming. Moreover, all GMs, BM included, tend to leave things to the last minute. Mez got traded on a sleepy Sunday or Monday night late in August, I believe, when there was little ahead of time to prepare us for that eventuality or to tip is off. I still think there's a good chance something similar happens here with Heatley.

Hey man, to each their own. One question though, how the heck do you remember stuff like the Meszaros trade being on a lazy Sunday. Kudos to you again. :___:

Trust me, I am prepared to eat some humble pie should Heatley get traded before opening night.

The PR campaign has already started of sorts as players as of 2 weeks ago have started to welcome him back to the team. Neil had a softer tone to his last public statement as did someone else, but the latters name escapes me right now.

However, Heatley will play for the Sens this season and I expect nothing more than for you to change your avatar to a smiling picture of Heatley for the whole season. Deal? Or are you chicken?

Rooneypoo, here it is. You decide. I think it would be fun. You can find me a picture of Parros (if there is another one on the internet).

well at least the rumours aren't dead yet, was reading 6th Sens blog when I noticed this.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/241433-the-nhl-insider-marleau-on-the-move-gare-finally-getting-a-shot

Marleau Sens Bound?
Since being stripped of the captaincy by head coach Todd McLellan, there has been speculation that Patrick Marleau is now the centerpiece of a trade that will bring Dany Heatley to the Sharks.
If a move is made, however, it won't stop at just Heatley for Marleau; Mike Fisher and Jonathan Cheechoo are also said to be involved.
If being the main guy in Edmonton isn't enough for the hot-headed Heatley, how's his role going to be any different in San Jose than it was in Ottawa with Joe Thornton there?
Good luck, San Jose, Heatley is the NHL's answer to Axel Rose. He seems to think he doesn't need anyone around him to succeed, but wouldn't rock nearly as good solo.

I am still completely in doubt anything gets done at this point, but if there was any validity to this rumour, and maybe I will be alone in saying this, I would hate to see Fisher go, sure he may not be a 6M a year player, that is granted, but he is the consumate team guy first, a PR wonder in the community, and had an off year last year, new season could put Fisher right back where he is supposed to be. I believe he has an NMC as well anyway, but unlike Dany, I fear that Fisher would waive his NMC/NTC if he feels the team would be better served by him moving. Anyway, it's all hearsay and I doubt any movement of Dany Heatley would happen at this point, it's better off to wait for the trade deadline or next off season, try to up our return if possible.