So as we near the deadline set by Heatley and his agent, I'm sure we are all starting to wonder what will happen if he doesn't sign. Trade? Apparently Murray threatened Heatley with that. Mid-season deal? This seems possible....the deadline is likely just a bargaining tool. Heatley walks? Unfortunately this seems possible as well.
The widespread belief is that $1 million separates the two camps right now - hardly a lot of money for a player of Heatley's caliber. If it were me in charge I would just throw Heatley the 8 million, but I suppose Murray has his own plans. Having Fisher on the hook for over $4 million certainly makes it a little more difficult. If he had been signed in the $3.5 million range you can be damn sure Heatley would have gotten his 8 a few days ago.
So the question may soon be do we trade Heatley or let him walk. Put me in the let him walk group. Trading away arguably our best offensive player and likely top 5 forward in the world before the playoffs when we are a cup contender would be ridiculous. I really can't see anything that we could get back that would improve our team enough this year - if only for the reason that Spezza loves playing with Heatley.
One thing I know for sure...this may turn out to be FAR more annoying than the year of "Redden or Chara?".
4 comments:
Trading him is an interesting prposition, although I agree that it's hard to trade away your best offensive weapon.
As for the Spezza angle, he can play with anyone and make them look good, so I'm not too concerned about that.
If Ottawa could get a player of similar skill set but a few years younger, essentially replaying the Hossa deal, it would be reasonable. We'll see how it goes.
Perhaps.
But no matter how much faith you have in Spezza's ability to make a superstar or the players ability that you are brining in, there is one big advantage to keeping Heatley:
He is a known entity. There is no risk. We know what he can do on this team, with which players he can do it, etc etc.
Sorry gentlemen, I can't agree. There's no way we can trade him. We'd either get a few prospects and a bucket load of draft picks or, if there is a player out there with similar skill (doubtful), he'll cost us the same amount, if not more. In either case, we're no further ahead. Letting him walk is a non-starter, especially when you consider how close the two sides are.
You're right TJ, the arbitrary deadline is a bargaining ploy. He'll be signed by the end of the week.
Done deal. 6 years, $45mil. That noise you hear is Leaf Nation screaming in impotent fury.
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