Despite only being one year into his contract extension with the Ottawa Senators, Dany Heatley wants out.
TSN has confirmed that the 28-year old who signed a six-year, $45 million contract extension with the team in October of 2007 - that includes a no-movement clause - informed the team a week ago of his desire to play hockey elsewhere.
Sources tell TSN the Edmonton Oilers is one team Heatley would consider waiving his no-trade clause to play for.
The veteran forward became unhappy with his role in Ottawa last season, especially after the Senators made a coaching change. Heatley discussed his concerns about what he felt was the limiting of his ice time, and his shift from the first power-play unit to the second unit with head coach Cory Clouston in the Senators end of season meetings.
Both sides agreed some time away would help remedy the situation. So, the issues were left to settle while Heatley represented Canada at the IIHF World Hockey Championship.
Heatley returned and continued to consider his future before finally approaching Senators management with his trade request.
Senators general manager Bryan Murray has seen his club go downhill since they appeared in the Stanley Cup Final in 2007.
In the 2007-08 season, the Senators had a hot-start, but then had a brutal second-half of the season and held on to seventh place in the Eastern Conference, only to get swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
This past season, the Senators never really got it going, and missed the playoffs.
In order to deal Heatley, Murray would have to find a team with the room to take on the final five seasons of Heatley's contract that would count for $7.5 million per season against the salary cap. While he may have to be less selective to encourage a trade because of this, Heatley will have significant input into where he moves.
"We signed [Heatley] to a long-term deal and we expect him to honour it," Murray said on Tuesday. "At this point in time he's a Senator."
"We have been having discussions with Bryan Murray concerning Dany," Heatley's agent J.P. Barry told the Ottawa Sun. "I'd like to continue these discussions in private before determining what's best for Dany,"
Heatley notched 39 goals and 33 assists in 82 games last season. The 72 points were his lowest point totals in his four seasons with the Senators.
There are sure to be many suitors for Heatley, like perhaps the San Jose Sharks, but don't discount some Canadian teams from trying to land the winger.
"A Canadian team I'm sure will have interest is the Edmonton Oilers as they continue to search for a top three forward," TSN Insider Darren Dreger said.
The veteran winger, had back-to-back 50 goal seasons in 2005-06 and 2006-07.
