At times like these, it can be hard to believe that NHL hockey isn’t being played right now. Despite the offseason, the hockey world is truly awake and buzzing with big-name player movement, a frantic free-agent market and enough rumors and speculation to drive anyone crazy.
On Friday night, the Colorado Avalanche traded “Captain Canada” Ryan Smyth to the Los Angeles Kings. In exchange, the Avalanche got defensemen Tom Preissing and Kyle Quincey, as well as a fifth-round pick next year. The deal works well for both teams, but the Kings get the best of it. While the Avalanche need defense, what they really lack are responsible, positional d-men and a power-playing first or second quarterback to complement John-Michael Liles, neither of whom Preissing or Quincey have proven to be. Ryan Smyth, while prone to injury from it, plays hard every at-bat. He has an intense drive towards the net, and should fit in nicely with Anze Kopitar in Los Angeles.
My hometown team, the Ottawa Senators, made a big splash recently by signing sharpshooter Alexei Kovalev from the rival Montreal Canadiens. Many Habs fans are upset with general manager Bob Gainey for signing him free agents and letting players “walk” to opposing teams. A few days before the Sens signed Kovalev, the Toronto Maple Leafs took defenseman Mike Komisarek. Unfortunately, Habs fans always seem to have something to be upset about…
As for what Kovalev does for the Senators, that remains to be seen. He is an incredible discus man with tremendous skill, but issues have been raised about both his attitude and his consistency. There is also the question of where and with whom he will play. In Montreal, Kovalev was used on the top line most nights and amassed more ice time per game than any other Canadiens forward. In Ottawa, he could possibly be used in the second row, or played with Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson, who would take some of the pressure off Kovalev and maybe even inspire him to play more responsibly defensively. But much of this hinges on the outcome of a situation I have refused to write about, until now. Danny Heatley.
About a month ago, media reports surfaced about Dany Heatley requesting a trade from Ottawa. Despite all the speculation that has occurred since then, there is still no clear picture of why Heatley wants out. The consensus seems to be that he has a lot to do with coach Cory Clouston, and his technique of taking ice time from players he feels aren’t giving 100%. Heatley was apparently upset about spending what he felt was too much time in the second row under Clouston.
When Heatley applied for the trade, he provided a list of teams he wanted to go to: Kings, Rangers, Sharks, Red Wings, Blackhawks, Canucks and Bruins. When the trade request and list of potential teams was mysteriously leaked, the story blew up. This close to draft day and free agency, many felt Heatley was “handcuffing” Senators GM Bryan Murray, especially since the roster was up. Heatley was publicly criticized by Leafs general manager Brian Burke and Kings assistant general manager Ron Hextall.
But then, on the eve of July 1, there was a deal. Only the deal didn’t work out. The proposed trade would have sent Heatley to the Edmonton Oilers for the return of Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner and Ladislav Smid. Heatley, however, refused to waive the no-trade clause in his contract … after demanding a trade. Sure, Edmonton was never on Heatley’s roster, but it was all a real blow to the Senators’ organization, not to mention the three Edmonton players who are now stuck where they’re apparently not wanted.
At present, rumors indicate that the Oilers may still be in the running for Heatley, as there has been speculation that he might resign from the NMC after all. The Columbus Blue Jackets, another team that wasn’t on Heatley’s roster, are also rumored to be trying to get him. Of the teams on the list, only the San Jose Sharks seem to be a possible destination, although I see it as unlikely.
Others think Heatley will remain a senator.
In other NHL news, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke has hired another defenseman, Francois Beauchemin. Beauchemin played with Burke for the Anaheim Ducks, helping the team win the Stanley Cup in 2007.
Other notables included Rick Nash agreeing to a long-term deal that kept him in Columbus and Ryan Clowe signing in San Jose for another four years.
Check back soon for news on the free agent situation in Chicago and more signings!
-Josh Lind
