Is Dany Heatley Heading to Los Angeles?

Heading into this weekends NHL Entry Draft in Montreal, don’t be surprised if the Ottawa Senators, who will pick ninth, select former London Knight’s scoring forward Nazem Khadri.

Ottawa drastically underachieved this past season, missing the playoffs with 83 points. In three of the last five years, they have consistently used their first pick to select a defenseman.

Even though general manager Bryan Murray isn’t tipping his hand, it’s pretty evident that with two-time 50 goal scorer Dany Heatley wanting out of Ottawa, the team will desperately need help in scoring, not defense.

Rumors have been spreading that the Los Angeles Kings are serious about wanting the veteran forward, but Murray wouldn’t confirm anything.

“Nobody has come to me and said they’ll get me a high pick at this point in time,” Murray said. “I’ve had a couple of teams that are picking before us that have had some interest (but) until I know what I have in my hand, it’s not going to affect anything.”

Days away from what will be his third draft with the Senators, Murray insists that he won’t let the Heatley situation affect whom Ottawa selects.

Using the strategy of rebuilding through the draft, Murray insists that he will take the best player available no matter what position they play.

Still, all bets are on the Senators picking Khadri to replace the offence that will be lost with Heatley's eventual departure.