Rumors have been swirling for weeks about a possible trade destination for Ottawa's Dany Heatley — but according to general manager Bryan Murray, that's all they are. Rumors.
The Senators are having trouble finding a new home for the star forward — who demanded a trade in June — because Ottawa needs sound compensation for a winger who's good for around 40 goals and 40 assists per season. That, and Murray needs to find a team that can accommodate a $7.5 million cap hit in 2009-10.
Multiple outlets have reported that Heatley's preferred destination is San Jose, where the weather is good and the the media scrutiny is minimal — both unlike Ottawa. The hindrance is that the Sharks are unlikely to offer Murray a package he'll agree to in exchange for his star.
A possible solution is including a third team — possibly the Montreal Canadiens — but Murray indicated that there is no truth to that rumor.
In an e-mail to the Ottawa Citizen, Murray wrote, "Don't know what the rumour is, but nothing new that I am aware of."
How will Murray proceed as time ticks closer and closer to the opening of training camp? He likely can't afford to keep Heatley because of the damage it would do to team morale in the coming season. He can't trade him either unless he gets a suitable package in exchange; fans would crucify him — and the team — if he allowed himself to be shortchanged.
Hopefully — for all parties invovled — he'll find an answer soon.
