Trades, transfers and Heatley
At times like these, it can be hard to believe that NHL hockey isn’t being played right now. Despite the offseason, the hockey world is truly awake and full of big-name player moves, a frenzied free agent market, and enough rumor and speculation to drive anyone crazy.
On Friday night, the Colorado Avalanche traded “Captain Canada” Ryan Smyth to the Los Angeles Kings. In return, the Avalanche landed defenders Tom Preissing and Kyle Quincey, as well as a fifth-round pick the next year. The deal works out well for both teams, but the Kings take advantage of it. While the Avalanche need defense, what they really lack are responsible, positional d-men, and a first or second power-play quarterback to complement John-Michael Liles, neither of whom have proven to be Preissing or Quincey. . Ryan Smyth, although prone to injury from it, plays tough every turn. He has an intense drive towards the net and should be a perfect fit with Anze Kopitar in Los Angeles.
My hometown team, the Ottawa Senators, caused quite a stir recently by signing sniper Alexei Kovalev from rival Montreal Canadiens. Many Habs fans are upset with general manager Bob Gainey for his free agent signings and for allowing players to “walk” onto opposing teams. A few days before Kovalev was hired by the Sens, defender Mike Komisarek was captured by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Unfortunately, Habs fans always seem to have something to be upset about …
As for what Kovalev does for senators, that remains to be seen. He is an amazing disc handler with tremendous ability, but issues have been raised about both his attitude and his consistency. There is also the question of where and with whom he will play. In Montreal, Kovalev used himself on the top line most nights and racked up more ice time per game than any other Canadiens forward. At Ottawa, he could possibly be used on the second row, or play Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson, who would take some of the pressure off Kovalev and perhaps even inspire him to play more responsibly on defense. But much of this depends on the outcome of a situation that I have refused to write about until now. Dany Heatley.
About a month ago, media reports surfaced about Dany Heatley requesting an exchange from Ottawa. Despite all the speculation that has occurred since then, there is still no clear picture of exactly why Heatley wants out. The consensus seems to be that it has a lot to do with coach Cory Clouston, and his technique of taking time away from players who feel like they are not giving 100%. Heatley was apparently upset about spending what he felt was too much time in the second row under Clouston.
When Heatley applied for the trade, he provided a list of the teams he wanted to go to: the Kings, Rangers, Sharks, Red Wings, Blackhawks, Canucks and Bruins. When the trade request and list of potential teams were mysteriously leaked, the story exploded. So close to draft day and free agency, many felt Heatley was “handcuffing” Senators general manager Bryan Murray, especially since the roster was out. Heatley was publicly criticized by Leafs general manager Brian Burke and Kings assistant general manager Ron Hextall.
But then, on the eve of July 1, there was a deal. Only the deal didn’t work out. The proposed trade would have sent Heatley to the Edmonton Oilers for the return of Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner and Ladislav Smid. Heatley, however, refused to waive the no-move clause in his contract … after demanding a trade. Sure, Edmonton was never on Heatley’s list, but it was all a blow to the Senators’ organization, not to mention the three Edmonton players now stuck where they apparently don’t want them.
Currently, rumors indicate that the Oilers may still be vying for Heatley, as it has been speculated that he might resign from the NMC after all. The Columbus Blue Jackets, another team not on Heatley’s roster, are also rumored to be trying to get it. Of the teams on the list, only the San Jose Sharks appear to be a possible target, although I think it unlikely.
Others think Heatley will remain a senator.
In other NHL news, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke has hired another defender, Francois Beauchemin. Beauchemin played with Burke for the Anaheim Ducks, helping the team win the Stanley Cup in 2007.
Other notables were Rick Nash agreeing to a long-term agreement that would keep him in Columbus, and Ryan Clowe signing in San Jose for another four years.
Check back soon for news on the free agent situation in Chicago and more signings!
– Josh Lind