NHL Draft and Trade Thoughts
June 24, 2009 by Kyle
Filed under Hockey Columns
This Friday (and Saturday’s) draft promises to be interesting. I wonder if there will be any huge announcements? There’s nothing to support this, but the common belief is that the Canadiens are planning to make a big announcement. Topping the list of what that announcement would be, of course, if Lecavalier will be traded to Montreal. I’m hoping not, but Gainey is probably going to want to make a splash and impression on his new owners/bosses.
N.Y Islanders Draft Choice
I like how the Islanders are keeping their cards close to the vest. I personally think they need an exciting face to their franchise, to help boost ticket sales and chatter in the community and if I were them, I’d take Tavares.
In my mind, the way he dominated the World Junior Championships (and especially Victor Hedman) sealed the deal for me. I don’t think Tavares is a Sidney Crosby, but I do see him as a guy who turns the crank on the power play and becomes a solid point per game player throughout his career.
That being said, I don’t think the Islanders can much of a mistake when it comes to the top 3. Hockey-wise, I think they’ll be fine with any one of Hedman, Duchene or Tavares.
Dany Heatley Debacle
As for Dany Heatley, that sleazeball should be thanking god every day that the Snyder’s petitioned for his freedom and that his life was spared. For him to come out and make this sort of trade demand is appalling. He signs a huge, long term deal and demands to be let go after year 1?
And, near as anyone can tell, it’s because Clouston is asking that he be a more responsible hockey player. Excuse me? Because Clouston asks for more than glorified shinny he wants out of Ottawa? That takes nerve.
Oh, and if that wasn’t worse, Heatley has a no trade clause. So not only has he forced Ottawa’s hand, he’s also handcuffed them. I think it’s time for the NHL and NHLPA to add an amendment to the CBA stating that if a player publicly demands a trade while under contract, his “No Trade Caluse” becomes void, or he gets 1 veto and that’s it.
Comments, as always, are appreiated!
mikedup on Wed, 24th Jun 2009 8:32 am
I couldn’t agree more regarding Heatley. The No Trade Clause has been a pain in the ass for the last few years. Eventhough I am a huge habs fan, I couldn’t help but shake my head at what Toronto got themselves into.
Imagine owning a business and not being able to let go of an employee…
It needs to be fixed… I like your idea that if the player goes public the clause becomes void.
nicole wirth on Wed, 24th Jun 2009 9:11 am
I totally agree about the no trade clause. If u demand to be moved (and do u think if Heatley played a little more up to his potentail that this trade would have happened already??!!) Then he shouldn’t get a say in where he goes. Be happy someone wants your sorry ass. And if I were the Sens I wouldn’t trade him and make him play there. The worst that could happen is that he holds out and theb he looks like a bigger ass! Maybe if some of the management starts to not give into these babies the league wouldn’t habe to go thru this. I’m just sayin’!
Kyle on Wed, 24th Jun 2009 12:17 pm
The Senators could hang on to Heatley and send him to the AHL, but that’s a 40+ goal scorer that not helping you at all, either on the ice or with whatever he brings in return. I just wish Heatley would have kept his mouth shut and went to Bryan Murray privately.
Some team will take him, the question is will the Senators get fair value for him? (my hope is no, because I’m a Habs fan, but more importantly because it will help the league in its stance to fix this problem.) Heatley’s also starting to flirt with radioactive territory, where his reputation as a malcontent and selfish stat monger will precede him. Still, like Terrel Owens, Sean Avery, Randy Moss and other talented troublemakers (Michael Vick will soon be a part of this list), someone will always give another chance, believing that they hold the secret to keeping this player happy.
Thanks for your comments!