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At times like these, it can be hard to believe that there's not any NHL hockey being played right now. Despite the offseason, the hockey world is indeed awake and abuzz with big-name player movement, a frenzied free-agent market, and enough rumours and speculation to drive anyone crazy [...]
Friday night, the Colorado Avalanche traded "Captain Canada" Ryan Smyth to the Los Angeles Kings. In return, the Avalanche got defencemen Tom Preissing and Kyle Quincey, as well as a fifth-round draft pick next year. The deal works out well for both teams, but the Kings get the better of it. While the Avalanche do need defence, what they're really missing are responsible, positional d-men, and a first or second power play quarterback to supplement John-Michael Liles - neither of which Preissing or Quincey have proven to be. Ryan Smyth, though prone to injury because of it, plays hard every shift. He has an intense drive to the net, and should be a great fit with Anze Kopitar in LA.
My hometown team, the Ottawa Senators, made quite a splash recently by signing sniper Alexei Kovalev from the rival Montreal Canadiens. Many Habs fans are upset with GM Bob Gainey for his free agent signings, and for letting players "walk" to rival teams. A few days before Kovalev was signed by the Sens, defenceman Mike Komisarek was grabbed by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Alas, 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 amazing puck-handler with tremendous skill, but there have been issues raised about both his attitude and his consistency. There is also the issue of where, and with whom, he will play. In Montreal, Kovalev was used on the top line most nights, and racked up more ice time per game than any other Canadiens forward. In Ottawa, he could possibly be used on the second line, or else play with Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson, who would relieve some pressure off of Kovalev and maybe even inspire him to play more responsibly defensively. But much of this is dependant on the outcome of a situation I have declined to write about, until now. Dany Heatley.
About a month ago, media reports surfaced about Dany Heatley requesting a trade out of Ottawa. For all of the speculation that has occurred since, there is still not a clear picture of exactly why Heatley wants out. The consensus seems to be that it has much to do with coach Cory Clouston, and his technique of taking ice time away from players he feels aren't giving 100%. Heatley was apparently upset about spending what he felt was too much time on the second line under Clouston.
When Heatley requested the trade, he provided a list of teams he wanted to go to: the Kings, Rangers, Sharks, Red Wings, Blackhawks, Canucks, and Bruins. When the trade request and list of potential teams were mysteriously leaked, the story blew up. So close to draft day and free agency, many felt that Heatley was "handcuffing" Senators GM Bryan Murray, especially since the list was out. Heatley was publicly blasted by Leafs GM Brian Burke, and Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall.
But then, on the eve of July 1st, there was a deal. Only, the deal didn't work out. The proposed trade would have sent Heatley to the Edmonton Oilers for a return of Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner, and Ladislav Smid. Heatley, however, declined to waive the no-movement clause in his contract...after demanding a trade. Sure Edmonton was never on Heatley's list, but the whole thing was a real blow to the Senators organization, not to mention the three Edmonton players who are now stuck where they are apparently not wanted.
Presently, rumours indicate that the Oilers may still be in the running for Heatley, as it has been speculated that he may waive the NMC after all. The Columbus Blue Jackets, another team that wasn't on Heatley's list, are also rumoured to be trying to land him. Of the teams on the list, only the San Jose Sharks seem to be a possible destination, though I think it unlikely.
Others think Heatley will remain a Senator.
In other NHL news, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke signed another defenceman, Francois Beauchemin. Beauchemin played under Burke for the Anaheim Ducks, helping the team win the Stanley Cup in 2007.
Other notables were Rick Nash agreeing to a long-term deal keeping him in Columbus, and Ryan Clowe signing on in San Jose for another four years.
Check back soon for news about the Free Agent situation in Chicago, and more signings!
- Josh Lind
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