Here's my list of possible destinations for Dany Heatley, in order of probability:
1. Edmonton
Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray loves Dustin Penner, and this could be the best opportunity to unload the under-performing forward. Penner alone won't make the deal happen, so the Oilers would have to give up either Sam Gagner or Andrew Cogliano and picks to get Heatley. Heatley has also good relations with Hockey Canada and Edmonton management personnel such as Kevin Lowe and Steve Tambellini.
2. Calgary
Heatley was raised in Calgary, so that's one reason. Pay no attention to those ridiculous Dion Phaneuf proposals, but the Flames would have to unload one of their high price contracts in order to fit him in their salary cap.
3. Los Angeles
They have lots of salary cap space, and lots of young assets to trade, such as Alexander Frolov. But the problem is Heatley going to waive his no-movement clause to a team that isn't quite Stanley Cup material?
4. St. Louis
They're looking to make a big splash on the free agent market, but getting Heatley would just be as good. They have a lot of good, young players and plenty of cap space.
5. Vancouver
It's looking unlikely that the Sedin twins will re-sign, so that frees up two top-6 spots and lots of salary cap space. However, the Canucks lack tradeable young assets. Heatley does own an off-season home in Kelowna, BC but I think that's not a huge factor.
Wildcard: Tampa Bay
The only way this would work is a straight Heatley for Lecavalier deal, which would offset each other's big salary cap hit. However, I wouldn't put anything pass Oren Koules and Len Barrie.
2 comments:
What is your source of Murray liking Penner? As an Oilers fan, sending Penner east (in a package) and getting Heater coming back west, just sounds too good to be true.
Murray was the Ducks GM when he signed Penner as a college free agent. He still thinks very highly of him.
It's going to take more than Penner to get Heatley...1st round picks and TOP prospects at least.
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