Heatley traded to San Jose - 9-12-09
He's finally gone.
The Senators finally traded their disgruntled forward Dany Heatley (above). Heatley, along with a fifth-round pick in the 2010 draft, was dealt to the Sharks in exchange for forwards Jonathan Cheechoo, Milan Michalek and a second-rounder.
Ottawa attempted to deal Heatley to the Oilers earlier this offseason but Heatley refused to waive his no-trade clause.
Heatley, 28, appeared in 82 games last season and scored 72 points (39 goals, 33 assists). Heatley has scored 40 or more goals four times in his career. He has a salary cap hit of $7.5 million.
Cheechoo (right), 28, played in 66 games and scored 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists). Cheechoo led the league in goals with 56 in 2005-06 but his production has gradually slipped in the following three seasons. His salary cap hit is $3 million.
Michalek, 24, played in 77 games and scored 57 points (23 goals, 34 assists). Michalek has scored 20-or more goals the past three seasons. His salary cap hit is $4.333 million.
EN Says: From a personel standpoint, we think San Jose got the best return. Heatley's a lights-out goal scorer. There aren't many better in the NHL. If he's teamed with Joe Thornton, he's all but guaranteed another 50-goal campaign.
The Senators got two first-line caliber wingers in return, but neither has the talent of Heatley. At one time, Cheechoo was in Heatley's class, but his game has devolved over the past few seasons.
That said, this move was made for reasons beyond personnel. Heatley was obviously not happy in Ottawa and Senators general manager Bryan Murray needed to do something to avoid having a poisonous presence in his locker room. From that standpoint, he made the best move available. Additionally, he sent Heatley to a Western Conference team so they won't have to face him more than once or twice a season.
For the Sharks, after years of postseason failures, they probably needed some sort of shake-up. Cheechoo was a big part of this franchise for many seasons. His departure and Heatley's arrival will change the DNA of this team.
If we're the Penguins, we're happy. Heatley always seems to rip the Penguins up. He has 29 career points (19 goals, 10 assists) in 25 games against Pittsburgh. He had seven points (four goals, three assists) in four games versus the Penguins last season.
(Photos: Heatley-Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images; Cheechoo-Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)