Bryan Murray Reluctant to Let Heatley Go

Some shocking news recently came out of the nations capital. This time, it was sports-related.

28 year-old Dany Heatley, who still has five years remaining on a lucrative six year, $45 million contract, wants out of Ottawa.

Ottawa Senators General Manager Bryan Murray says he expects his star forward Dany Heatley to honor his long-term contract. Upon being reached for comment Murray didn’t sound like he was in any hurry to accommodate this seven year veteran, who has spent the past four seasons in Ottawa.

“We signed (Heatley) to a longterm deal and we expect him to honour it,” Murray, who said. “At this point in time, he’s a Senator.”

Apparently the two time 50 goal scorer became disenchanted right after Cory Clouston took over the coaching reins mid-season and immediately reduced Heatley’s ice time. Making matters worse, the rookie coach moved Heatley from the first to the second power play unit.

It was not only a disappointing season for the Senators, but for Heatley as well. He had a sub par 72 points, and agreed during post-season meetings with Clouston to wait and contemplate whether he truly wanted to be traded.

Even though it could be a huge challenge for a team to take on his contract, which is for the next five years at $7.5 million per year, Murray should still find lots of teams lining up at a chance to acquire this talented veteran. 

“We have been having discussions with Bryan Murray concerning Dany,” Heatley’s agent J.P. Barry said. “I’d like to continue these discussions in private before determining what’s best for Dany.”

These reports also mention that Heatley would like to go to a Western Conference team.

Only time will tell if Murray trades Heatley or keeps the disgruntled forward as a Senator.