Dany Heatley Talks

Reflecting on everything that happened in Ottawa Dany Heatley insists that he has absolutely no regrets in asking to be traded from the Senators. Heatley who spent the past four seasons in Ottawa and is coming off a sub-par 72- point season expressed to Sens GM Bryan Murray last spring his strong desire to be moved. This two time 50 -goal scorer’s reputation took a severe beating when he not only asked for a trade but also exercising his no-trade clause when Murray had a trade worked out with the Edmonton Oilers. ‘No,” Heatley who was traded on September 12 to the San Jose Sharks said about having any regrets. “I think I talked to all the people (In Ottawa) I feel I needed to talk to. The biggest regret on both sides is how it became public. That’s the biggest thing. Other than that, I don’t have any regrets at all.” Sharks GM Doug Wilson insists that he is not concerned with how Heatley was branded a non team player after leaving Ottawa due to getting not as much ice time from coach Cory Clouston who took over part way through last year. “I’m very comfortable with Dany, first of all as a hockey player and as a person,” said Wilson who traded forwards Jonathan Cheechoo and Milan Michalek for Heatley. “I support his conviction, whatever his belief and reason for it, I support that. People are entitled to that, just as a team is entitled to move a player.” Upon arriving in San Jose Heatley who was put on the number one line with Joe Thornton and Devin Setoguchi met with Wilson and coach Todd McLellan who explained in detail what they expect from the sniper who has collected 260 goals and 543 career points. “We want to make sure that the expectations from the coaching staff are very clear, so I have no issues with that one bit,” McLellan said. “If we did, he wouldn’t be a San Jose Shark.” When asked about how the media coverage differs in San Jose to Ottawa Heatley didn’t pull any punches. “Up there (in Ottawa) if there’s nothing going on, they have a tendency to try to cover other things, or make up stories for the papers.” Most important to Heatley is that he is at peace with his decision and so far loves life in San Jose with the Sharks “It’s a very easy room to come into and everyone has made me feel really welcome,” Heatley said. “It’s a great city with a great rink.” It will be very interesting to see how the fans in Ottawa react when the Sharks visit this season.