Dany Heatley has told the Senators where he wants to go. But if the Senators can't trade him before a $4-million (all terms US) bonus kicks in on July 1, they may tell him where to go.
Senators GM Bryan Murray expects talks will heat up this week at the NHL draft in Montreal as several league sources confirmed Heatley's agents have given the club a wishlist of up to 10 teams. But there could be some flexibility -- he may agree to go somewhere not listed. Sources told Sun Media the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins were among the teams submitted to Murray by Heatley's agents J.P. Barry and Stacey McAlpine.
While the Wings and Bruins would likely have a difficult time making a move under the $56.7-million salary cap, it's believed discussions have been held with the Kings, Rangers, Sharks and Canucks. Sources say Minnesota, Colorado, Edmonton and St. Louis are taking a serious look, too.
The Kings could make a deal with the $7.5 million in cap space by offering up defenceman Jack Johnson and forward Alexander Frolov.
The Oilers want to bring in a big-time winger like Heatley, but sources have confirmed he wasn't on the list submitted to Murray.
"I'm doing a lot of the asking. Nobody has really agreed at the moment. But one team is getting close to where I want to be," Murray said at a pre-draft media availability yesterday at Scotiabank Place. "I guess I can take an offer that's been made, but it's not one that I want right now."
Senators owner Eugene Melnyk doesn't want to be on the hook for the $4-million bonus.
If Heatley isn't gone before July 1, he could be back here next season.
"I've made it very clear that if we pay any more money, this (trade) probably isn't going to happen," said Murray. "There are a number of teams that have called me and I guess have suggested ideas. What I'm doing in the next couple of days is hopefully meeting a few of the general managers in Montreal to find out where they are willing to go and if it's worthwhile for us to consider and do it."
Murray spoke with a Heatley representative yesterday.
"He suggested that there were quite a number of teams that have contacted them," said Murray. "I said, 'Well, maybe they should call me.' They haven't done that so far.
"Until we get (an offer) that we're satisfied with, and let me assure you I will never be completely satisfied ... you guys will give me a hard time if I don't make the right trade. I'm going to try to get as good a player back as I can."
