Heatley Speaks; Didn't Make Trade Request Public

by DarrenM on Aug 21, 2009 1:23 PM EDT

Dany Heatley finally spoke to the media today, and cleared up a few things. Despite rumors to the contrary, Dany insists that neither he nor his representatives leaked the trade request. He further claimed he does not know how it became public. Dany noted that he asked for a trade verbally in the middle of May, and gave the request in writing early in June. I'll take him at his word, but it's hard to figure out then who leaked it, and made this situation as bad as it has become.

Heatley also said that he didn't make the trade request specifically because of Cory Clouston, but because of his diminished role with the Senators over the past two seasons. Dany lamented the way this situation has gone, but did not seem to recognize he had done too much wrong, felt it was just a bad set of circumstances. He mentioned several times that he believes coaches and players in the NHL know he's a team guy, and doesn't feel this situation has changed his image in the league.

Dany said he loved the fans in Ottawa, and feels it's a great city. He didn't speak until now because he didn't want to make the situation a bigger circus than it already was - which is hard to understand, because his silence just promoted rumours that demonized him and made the situation far worse than it would have been. Dany also reiterated that his snubbing the Edmonton deal had nothing to do with Edmonton, but was because of a lack of options.

Heatley said that he has a contract that he will honour, and will play to the best of his abilities if he plays in Ottawa again next season. He evaded a question asking if he would give up the A on his jersey, and reiterated that he still believes a deal is available somewhere in the league.

Overall, it was exactly what was expected - Heatley said pretty much what we had already heard, and spoke in very neatly packaged sentences that were clearly prewritten for him. It's a shame that an honest answer could not be had, but I suppose that's the name of the publicity game.

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He didn’t speak until now because he didn’t want to make the situation a bigger circus than it already was – which is hard to understand, because his silence just promoted rumours that demonized him and made the situation far worse than it would have been.

To come to his defense here… there’s nothing Heatley could have said to avoid a circus once the trade rumor was leaked. His silence promoted rumors and any reason he gives for wanting to leave — no matter how many times he tries to frame it as a “hockey decision” — makes him come off as a pouty jerk who is bailing on team that gave him a fresh start because things are going the way he wants them to. He’s damned in the court of public opinion either way.

Also, I thought Don Brennan’s question about the A was absolutely classless, especially the way he kept trying to butt in about how the question wasn’t answered.

Heatley, for his part, stuck completely to his script and when asked questions his script didn’t have canned answers for, became painfully evasive.

Overall, a very disappointing call… not that I was expecting anythnig different.

by Mark Parisi on Aug 21, 2009 3:17 PM EDT reply actions

I wish I could have listened

Although it sounds like Brennan was more of a show than Heatley. Thanks for the update, Darren.

www.silversevensens.com

by Peter Raaymakers on Aug 21, 2009 7:37 PM EDT reply actions

To me, this statement by Heatley was basically a saving face public comment. “For the record, I am still angry. But, having said that, obviously I am apparently not getting my trade and will return to the Sens and play to the best of my abilities”

So be it. Like I said, whether Heatley is happy or not is of lesser importance as to ensuring that he plays hard. Heatley has too much hockey ambition to let his talents waste. He will play and well. This is all that matters. Happiness is nice but not necessary. Strong performance is necessary and Heatley will deliver. The issue should be considered closed at this point. With offseason additions, Sens now have four good scorers and a reasonable chance to take the East.

by aagoodfella on Aug 24, 2009 12:52 PM EDT reply actions