According to a report by The Toronto Sun, an executive claims that — should Dany Heatley still be a member of the Senators by the Sept. 12 start of camp — it may be a good idea for him to skip out. Ottawa would prefer to avoid as many distractions as possible.
"They don't want him in camp and that could change the way negotiations have gone," the source told the Sun. "[Senators general manager Bryan] Murray has spent almost three months trying to get his best deal for this guy and it's going to be a total sideshow if Heatley shows up at camp. Not for the players. Heatley will be the only one who has to deal with it on a daily basis.
"The reality is, he's going to get dealt at somepoint or another, so Murray may as well get it done now."
Murray has been trying to find a suitor but would prefer to get reasonable value in return for his superstar. Additionally, according to reports, there aren't a whole lot of teams Heatley wants to go to.
According to the Sun, Heatley — who refused to waive his no-trade clause when the Sens wanted to send him to Edmonton in July — may have devalued himself by being so adamant about his desire to be traded. Other teams know Murray will have to move him eventually, so why give up the best prospects for him now when the price may get lowered as the season approaches?
"Sooner or later, he's going to get dealt," the executive said. "It could take six days, six weeks or six months, but Heatley won't finish his career with the Senators."
In the meantime, Ottawa could do without the distraction.
