Fallout From The Dany Heatley Trade to San Jose

[Editor's Note: Just last week, Darren Coslov wrote that the time had come for Ottawa GM Brian Murray to trade Dany Heatley (possibly to the San Jose Sharks), and that deal is now a reality. His thoughts on the deal...]

One disgruntled Dany Heatley was never going to stand in the way of the Ottawa Senators. They're looking for plenty of answers as it is following an extremely disappointing season. In fact, GM Brian Murray has been kicking tires for some time now, trying to fit the best possible pieces to the puzzle. Dany Heatley aggressively made it known that he had zero interest in becoming a long term fit in the nation’s capital. However, trying to justify reasons at this point is irrelevant, following a trade that sent the 72-point scorer in 2008-09 to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forwards Jonathan Cheechoo and Milan Michalek.

One thing we know at this point, after a fairly quiet offseason for San Jose, this deal makes the Sharks better and adds more questions marks across the board for the Ottawa Senators.

The Sharks now look poised to defend their Presidents Trophy as the top team in the regular season, and potentially end a string of disappointing post-season appearances. The Sharks gain a top-tier forward in the National Hockey League, but rest assured one thing, Dany Heatley will need to understand his role upon arriving out west, play his game, and keep his mouth shut in order for the Sharks to benefit fully from this deal. The potential of the Sharks becoming a greater force in the playoffs is there, but only Heatley can control whether he will be an addition to this squad.

Some might forget that prior to the past two seasons, Heatley was a back-to-back 50 goal scorer on the Senators. With him paired up with playmaker Joe Thornton, who once recorded 92 assists just a few seasons ago, it's hard to imagine many teams being able to handle this top line. (Note: Team Canada fans can expect to see these two paired up when the Olympics roll around as well this February in Vancouver)

On the other side of the table, the Ottawa Senators needed to pull the trigger on a trade to rid themselves of Dany Heatley, that much we do know. Brian Murray waited patiently all summer to ensure he was able to get what he wanted in return for his one-time superstar winger. GM Murray had to get back NHL ready players, not to mention, players that could potentially be a long-term fit. You have that in Michalek and Cheechoo if both players can identify their roles in Ottawa, and immediately compliment the likes of Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, newly acquired Alex Kovalev, and Nick Foligno. Ottawa gains two players with a combined 35 goals in the 2008-09 season. However, a Rocket Richard winning 56 goals scored by Jonathan Cheechoo in the 2005-06 season is surely not forgotten.

Brian Murray took his first steps forward without Dany Heatley just hours into training camp. Only time will tell how this deal will turn out. In the meantime, the Ottawa Senators will begin the 2009-10 season with a brand new look. What happens from there, that’s up to Head Coach Cory Clouston and the 23 guys sitting in front of him.

As for the San Jose Sharks, Dany Heatley certainly adds a major weapon to the mix. What he does on and off the ice however, could impact the Sharks in a variety of ways which will likely determine where this team ends up. GM Doug Wilson is sold on Dany Heatley, perhaps he has no choice at this point. Whether this results in the Stanley Cup that Sharks fans so desperately want, or the end of the Wilson reign in San Jose, we should know the answer by this time next year.

- Darren Coslov

NHL Summer Update: Western Conference Review

[Today Darren Coslov breaks down the favorites in the Western Conference and what we can expect from the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Vancouver Canucks.]

Top Guns or Question Marks? Sharks and Hawks Have Lots to Prove

As we move along in September, training camp is a week away. Is it my imagination or are the San Jose Sharks no better then they were at this time last year? After a devastating elimination in the 2009 post season, GM Doug Wilson let his intention be known to clean house and shake it up in San Jose, California. A shakeup to me is moving popular assets for future pieces to the puzzle and new blood. It is my understanding however, that maybe healthy scratches, 4th line players, and spare parts to the blue line will do the trick and have the Sharks right back in the swing of things. Well, that’s what Doug Wilson has done, by parting ways with forward Michael Grier, Marcel Goc, Tomas Plihal and defensemen Christian Erhoff and Brad Lukowich, but maybe he isn’t done yet?

Adding NHL veteran forward Dan Hinote to the camp roster on a tryout, and signing 4th line material in forwards Jed Ortmeyer and Scott Nichol to contracts, maybe this is the start of what’s yet to come, maybe not. Sharks fans, I am afraid to admit, it’s going to be the same story over and over again. Unless Doug Wilson lowers his demands for aging assets, and once and for all turns the page on a team that dominates in the regular season and disappears off the face of the earth when it comes time to battle for Lord Stanley. Whether it’s Dany Heatley, or Phil Kessel, or the other guy, it’s time for Doug Wilson to make an impact trade and allow this team to take the next step. That’s how you shake it up.


The Chicago Blackhawks are on the verge of becoming one of the most dominant forces in the NHL. Their talent level speaks for itself and their depth chart will serve them well for the next several seasons. Dale Tallon had a plan and went with it. So far so good, unfortunately not for GM Tallon himself though. Dale Tallon was relieved of his duties as GM of the Blackhawks for reasons that are still essentially unknown, some of which we may never know. Stan Bowman is the new man in charge and has inherited a roster absolutely loaded with talent.

Where are the Hawks headed though? Are they taking the Pittsburgh Penguins approach and putting ideal veteran talent around a core group of young All Stars? It’s yet to be seen how Stan Bowman plans to proceed, but what it comes down to is this...the Chicago Blackhawks must continue to build around the core group in place. Not necessarily with 12 year contracts a la Marian Hossa, but with tier 2 talent on one or two year contracts, giving them flexibility each year on the cap. Martin Havlat is out; Hossa and Former Red Wings teammate Tomas Kopecky are in. It’s only a matter of time until we see what Stan Bowman has in store, until then; there is a big question mark on the board.

Canucks: Is This the Year?

The Vancouver Canucks...wow. That is all I have to say. From the extension of Roberto Luongo, to the renewal of the Twins, to beefing up their blueline, GM Mike Gillis has done a tremendous job, and has put this hockey club in great position for the 2009-10 season. Mats Sundin is a long shot to return to Vancouver, but truth of the matter is, it’s probably the best thing for the Canucks. A slower, older vet doesn’t bode well for the fast paced, hard-nosed offense that now exists in Western Canada. The Vancouver Canucks will without question compete for a top spot in the Western Conference this year. If you're a Canucks fan, the best part about it is you don’t have to worry about moving into this season with the uncertainty of the Sedin Twins and Roberto Luongo contract status'. You can watch them now, and for years to come. Nice luxury to have if you ask me.

- Darren Coslov