AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > August > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWill Heatley find new direction in Ottawa?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Two weeks ago, Dany Heatley phoned Don Waddell and told him he was changing agents again. Also, if it were at all possible, he would like to be traded.
As the Thrashers’ general manager, there are at least two scenarios you would never envision. One is a late night phone call informing you that two of your players were in a horrible car wreck, both are in intensive care and one is near death. The other is that the face of your franchise wants out - and you’ll seriously consider it.
The fact that one scenario preceded the other speaks volumes.
“Prior to the accident — no, I never thought something like this could happen,” Waddell said Tuesday. “But I guess with everything that has happened, it’s not a total surprise. I had hoped it wouldn’t come to this. But in the end, I had to do what’s best for the franchise.”
Trading Dany Heatley.
Best for the franchise.
How could those sentences possibly ever intersect?
Heatley wasn’t merely the Thrashers’ best hope for respectability, a player admired by everybody on the ice, behind the bench or in the executive suite. He was the league’s top rookie one year and the MVP of the All-Star Game the next.
In his rookie season, 35-year-old veterans found themselves looking up to a 20-year-old. In year two, Heatley scored 41 goals and looked like captain material. He was that rare mixture of skill, leadership and charm.
That was Heatley then.
This is Heatley now.
He appeared out of shape to observers at the recent Canadian Olympic camp and suddenly is no certainty for the 2006 Games, which once would have seemed ludicrous. He was unimpressive at the recent World Cup.
There have been questions about his knee, which was among the injuries he suffered in the 2003 car accident that killed his teammate, Dan Snyder. There have been questions about his vision since suffering a fractured left orbital bone when a puck hit him during a game in Bern, Switzerland, during the NHL lockout.
There are the injuries we can’t see. Rumors of depression and questionable off-ice activities followed him from Canada to Switzerland to Russia and back to Canada (site of the World Cup). During the lockout, friends and some in the Thrashers’ organization were stunned when he signed with a team in Switzerland, then came to Atlanta for the resolution of his court case, then immediately bolted town to sign with a different team in Russia rather than begin his court-ordered community service.
It was as if he couldn’t get out of Atlanta fast enough.
Heatley told Waddell he needed a “fresh start.” That need wasn’t in place following the accident but it must have increased during the lockout. Rumors circulated around draft time that Heatley wanted to be traded. But Waddell didn’t give them much thought. Rumors and the Canadian media go together like ponds and pond scum.
“I didn’t acknowledge the rumors because I never heard it from Dany,” Waddell said.
Until the phone call on Aug. 9. I’ve changed agents again. I want out.
Heatley is unsigned and this was not going to be an easy negotiation. Heatley stripped first agent, Stacey McAlpine, of negotiating power and replaced him with the respected Don Baizley. But Waddell and Baizley couldn’t agree on Heatley’s long-term value because of the uncertainty of the player’s health and mindset. They agreed a short-term deal was best.
Baizley went back to Heatley to report that. Then he was fired, too. Heatley is now on his third agent since playing his last NHL game. This looks like a kid with some issues.
Most Atlantans never have heard of Marian Hossa. They only figure he didn’t go to Auburn. They don’t know that he has averaged 35 goals and 72 points over the last five seasons. They only know he’s not Dany Heatley.
But this trade can’t be judged now. Nobody knows the direction in which Heatley is headed.
If mind and body heal and he evolves into the special player he was for two seasons, it won’t matter how good Marian Hossa is — because Heatley will be better.
If mind and body don’t heal, it will be a sad story for Heatley, but Waddell will look like a visionary.
Even if this was a trade he never expected to make.
Permalink | Comments (58) | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Thrashers / NHL
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Sens Fan
August 23, 2005 07:36 PM | Link to this
I think Atlanta will do better in the long run in this deal than most think. Hossa is only a couple years older than Heatly but DeVries is the sleeper in this deal. He will be a pleasant suprise to Atlanta Fans. I question if Heatly will return to form he once was which makes this deal a steal for Waddell
By Thrashers fan
August 23, 2005 07:59 PM | Link to this
Kovalchuk, Holik, and Hossa. This Line need a name now.
By Peter
August 23, 2005 08:05 PM | Link to this
Rumours and Canadian press like ponds to pond scum?? Come on, buddy.
By Barry
August 23, 2005 08:15 PM | Link to this
This was for the best. The Thrashers were going to build around Heatley, but the accident changed that. We obtained two excellent players in exchange and you can’t do much better than that.
By Jeff
August 23, 2005 08:20 PM | Link to this
WIN + WIN I hate to see Heatley go but this is an absolute no-brainer for the real hockey fan. I wouldn’t dream of trading Dany for anything else but this deal. Waddell, we are blessed to have you. Thank you. Heatley, good luck to you and thanks for the wonderful moments. Both teams are winners on this one.
By Kelly
August 23, 2005 08:36 PM | Link to this
Really, really tough to see Heatley go. Hate it terribly and feel a bit hurt, but the city that embraced him when he needed us wishes him the best even if we can’t express it now. As much as this sucks, he deserves to find some peace. It’s just too bad he won’t get to meet Lord Stanley when he comes to Atlanta.
By dave
August 23, 2005 08:40 PM | Link to this
Being the Toronto Maple Leafs fan that I am, I am accustomed to playing against Hosa and the Ottawa club. Beating them in the playoffs every year is a bonus that comes with having players with Canadian heart and will to win. European players lack the grit and heart to win.
Hosa is a solid goal scorer who scares me everytime he steps on the ice. The sad part for Ottawa is that they have filled their team with flashy Europeans who cannot or will not come through in the tough playoff games.
Although tough new rules on obstruction are bound to help the fleet skating Euros, come playoff time they will have to deal with the Chris Prongers, Scott Stevens, Bryan McCabes, Wade Reddens, and Chris Phillips like defence.
If Danny Heatly can recover and build a new start in Ottawa, he will bring heart to that team that a Marion Hosa will never bring to Atlanta.
By Jeff
August 23, 2005 08:53 PM | Link to this
Heatley = Hockey Heatley has a killer hockey sense. I think he will overcome any physical or mental obstacles rather quickly in a new environment. Especially in a hockey town like Ottawa. He could only be reminded of tragic off-ice events in Atlanta. I hope he does well and look forward to watching him play for the Sens against everybody else but us. Even though it never really mattered in the standings, it’s good to see Hossa on our side now.
By Matt
August 23, 2005 08:56 PM | Link to this
I think that this article was fair to say the least. Heatley is still dealing with his demons, of course, but that was not taken as a bad thing. It sounds as if we should honestly feel sorry for him (which we should. If you could imagine putting yourself in that place, I’m sure most of us would not be doing well either). I hope that Heatley will have a good recovery with the Senators. Sometimes it’s good to get a little closer to home. Go Thrashers!
By Mr Sports
August 23, 2005 09:11 PM | Link to this
Hate to see HEATLEY GO… but upon reading that Heatley was displaying some illogical behavior and fighting internal demons I am leaning towards “Great trade/steal Don Wadell”. Heatley was a rising superstar but with the knee and orbital socket injuries, the personality issues he is displaying, and the fact that we do not know how Danny Heatly will handle the turmoil and demons in his personal life, this trade makes sense. I am not familiar with the two guys were getting but from reading what fans and so called experts are saying about these two guys…… Lets Go Thrashers !!!
By JB
August 23, 2005 09:26 PM | Link to this
Dave…..The Thrashers will hoist the Stanley Cup up in the air with Hossa before the underachieving Maple Leafs will.Heart and league protected goonery are two different things.
By Stephen Smith
August 23, 2005 09:27 PM | Link to this
Kind of liked the pond scum analogy! Heatley was ready to move on and out and the Thrashers obliged. Waddell looks like a genius after this trade. We’re all going to miss Dany but I’m not sure the feeling is mutual.
By Jon
August 23, 2005 09:32 PM | Link to this
I was shocked when I heard the news of this trade. However, upon listening to GM Don Waddell’s interview on 680 The Fan this evening, I have a better understanding of the situation the Thrashers were in. Waddell worked his magic and turned what could have been a really bad scenario into an acceptable one. As for those knocking the toughness and determination of European born players - don’t believe all the stereotypes. Ever heard the names Fedorov, Khabibulin, Hasek, or Holik? Don’t tell me “European players lack the grit and heart to win.” Hossa is only 26 years old, Bob Hartley and Holik himself will have this kid motivated and ready for the playoffs. GO THRASHERS!
By JW
August 23, 2005 09:34 PM | Link to this
“Most Atlantans never have heard of Marian Hossa. They only figure he didn’t go to Auburn.” ??? Come on, that’s more than a little condescending to your readers!
Great trade — the Thrashers are going to surprise a lt of people this year!
By Big Fat Ott
August 23, 2005 09:53 PM | Link to this
Like the deal. The heater is tainted goods. I feel like that braveheart guy right now he chugs a big beer. We still need one more piece. Are you Listining Waddell?
By Big Fat Ott
August 23, 2005 09:55 PM | Link to this
I can’t spell.
By JB
August 23, 2005 09:59 PM | Link to this
Bondra is the next piece. Even if he doesn`t have Canadian heart and will.
By Coop
August 23, 2005 10:21 PM | Link to this
Only time will tell how this deal works out. I’m sure Dany feels responsible for Danny and always will. As a person, I feel for Dany and hope he recovers. As a Thrasher fan, if Dany is in fact struggling mentally and physically, I congratulate Waddell for pulling off one heck of a deal. Hossa and deVries will be GREAT additions to the birds. This team could be incredible. I was just hoping Heatley would be part of it. God speed Heater.
By rickt58
August 23, 2005 11:17 PM | Link to this
I hate to see Dany go, but, in his place, it would be really tough to see Dan Snyder’s locker every time I walked into the room. I waited to read his statement to Thrasher fans (if there was going to be one) before I posted.He’s a class guy and I’ll always hope for his success.
I don’t doubt that he’ll regain his former form away from Atlanta. Even so, adding Hossa AND De Vries is a great move. Now we still have the offense, and we’re really deep on the blue line. I’m looking forward to the upcoming season. Good work Don. Tough situation, but I think it’s a winner.
Good luck to Dany also. We’ll always treasure that you were a Thrasher.
By CE
August 23, 2005 11:40 PM | Link to this
As a Sens fan, this deal was a steal for Atlanta. Hossa is the best player in the deal - now and in the future. To lose a player like Hossa because of cap space is ridiculous.
By Scott
August 24, 2005 12:47 AM | Link to this
I feel like Heatley has bailed on us. I mean we stood up for him and by him during this whole tragedy and this is how he repays us? I like Hossa but he’s not Heatley.
By Matthew Cafaro
August 24, 2005 01:19 AM | Link to this
My heart wants to break in losing the face of this franchise…
And yet…
Last year, without Dany, Ilya shone the brighter.
This year, with Ilya on the same line with Holik, he will be the NHL MVP.
I’m sorry, but just like Dany and Ilya should never have been, or be, on the same line, because it makes your 1 line too strong and your 2 line too weak, Marian should be on a seperate line from Ilya, giving us two great scoring lines with balance and guys who are impossible to defend.
I would love Bondra, but we still need to sign Ilya, who we will now build this franchise around. We might not be able to afford both. But it would be nice to have both.
Jeff… this is so hard. I wanted Dany to be here, to help us win the Cup, not only for us, but for him, too. To help him heal. Hoisting the Cup as a Thrasher would have helped him to heal. But I guess he needed to leave.
Jeff, please, if you ever get the chance to speak to Dany or his family, let them know that there are no hard feelings from the vast majority of us, and that we’ll miss him and the enrgy and toughness and recognician he brought to this team and this town in the NHL. Wish him good luck from all of us!
By Matthew Cafaro
August 24, 2005 01:27 AM | Link to this
And Dave…
Yeah, love the grit of a—holes like Domi. That guy sure is a class act, eh?
You know what Canuck (the nickname of Canadians/Canadiens) means, eh?
Its short for Canadian F—-.
I’ll let you fill in the blanks ;o).
I thought Canadians were supposed to be knowledgable, eh? The Euros and Russians do play a faster, more skillful form of hockey. But there have been plenty of “grit” guys, and even enforcers, coming out of those countries over there, eh?
Okay, eh?
Hahaha… don’t take it personal. I’m just bustin’ on ya.
But your generalization about European and Russian players seemed so unintelligent.
By Mitch
August 24, 2005 02:30 AM | Link to this
My opinion is somewhat unbiased since I am a Canadiens fan first, but I do live in Ottawa and have watched Hossa play for years, so let me tell all the Thrasher fans, this guy can fly! He’s big, strong, and an potent scorer. What this trade does for Atlanta is eleaviate them of some future risk with Heatley. Having said that, if Heatley returns close to his previous form, Ottawa won this deal. Hossa disappears for stretches of games and is not as gritty as Heatley, and sandpaper wins games in the playoffs. Also Heatley has better vision (although maybe not literally) on the ice over Hossa, which leads to setting up goals for others. This is not a strong point for Hossa for he is not as multi-dimensional as Heatley. Regarding DeVries, he is a descent defenceman that is over paid and under the new CBA the Sens needed to trade him in order to sign Charra and Redden long term. The Sens didn’t fall into this trade, they got exactly what they wanted. Shine up Lord Stanley’s mug and book it a one way ticket to Ottawa!
By JAMES
August 24, 2005 06:07 AM | Link to this
Give Thrasher fans some credit, most hockey fans know who Marian Hossa is. The kind of numbers he has put up through his career are hard to ignore, and he has no health or mental question marks. He is a great addition to a franchise on the rise. GO THRASHERS
By dave
August 24, 2005 07:24 AM | Link to this
Mr. Cafoaro,
I find it interesting that you define Canadian players by the work of Mr. Domi. Being a Leafs fan, of course I like this player on my team. Nobody likes him until he plays for your fave club.
It is also a fact that Domi does not play for the Canadian Olympic team, World Championship team. World JR team, or the World Cup team. Have you forgotten that all of those teams have won the tournaments that they have played in?????? Those Canadian teams did not win those tournaments on pure skill or fleetness of feet. It is a simple grit and heart thing that brings championships to Canada. The will to win is what overcomes the Euros and USA type greed and arrogence.
The Cup may not always end up in Canada, but it is and always will be Canadian players that bring it to the champions.
Note to JB……….Ottawa fans have been telling us poor deprived Leaf fans the same thing for the last 4 times we beat their Euro based team in the playoffs. The Thrashers will be a great team to watch in the reg. season, but come playoff time……………….. deal with an early exit
cheers,
By dave
August 24, 2005 07:28 AM | Link to this
Mitch,
Get a grip……… Danny is a great additon to the club, better in the playoffs then Hosa will ever be. Your fave team has still done nothing to deal with the toughness and grit of the Leafs and the Flyers.
The Cup is still a distant vision for the Sens. Nothing has changed. Can you say……..early exit?????????????????????
Cheers,
By JR
August 24, 2005 07:53 AM | Link to this
Dany bailed on a team and a city that supported him, stood by him, and loved him. He is a much lesser man that i thought he was.
Despite the virtues of this trade for the organization, and despite them trading off a potential libility, this is about one thing; Heatley quiting on a city and its fans.
Never thought of Heatley as a quitter until now.
Makes me lose all respect for him. Good riddance, Dany. I’ll be talking to you Jan 2nd when you come back to play in Atlanta. You will hear me leading the chorus of boos.
You quitter.
By JE
August 24, 2005 07:58 AM | Link to this
Steal of a deal for the Thrashers. Can we fast-forward to October 5?
Oh and Dave, exactly what part of Canada is your captain from? Uh-huh, I see. I guess your fate is doomed for years to come.
By AT
August 24, 2005 09:38 AM | Link to this
The Thrashers’ organ-I-zation, the fans, and his teammates stood with Dany and supported him because we saw in him a young kid who made a bad mistake, but deserved a second chance. And the debt of gratitude from Heatley is to show his true colors and run.
It would have been tough on him to be here, there’s no doubt in that, but real men stand up to their problems. Dany ran. That speaks volumes to his character and based on that, I’m glad he’s gone now (never thought I’d type that). I too will be leading the boos for this “man” when he returns. He’s a coward.
Getting Hossa in return is a fair deal, DeVries is a solid defenseman, not flashy, so the deal is a wash, but that’s not the point (other than Waddell did a great job turning this lemon into lemonade).
The pain from this Thrashers’ fan is to see that a guy I supported and prayed for, doesn’t deserve our support. He won’t get it from me anymore, other than getting booed in spades every time he steps on the ice.
Dany Heatley, you showed your true colors yesterday, hope you can live with yourself, kid.
By dave
August 24, 2005 11:49 AM | Link to this
JE,,
A good team needs a mix of all types of players. Yes the guy who wears the “C” is from Sweeden, but in recent years the guy who was the real captain of the team was a Canadian named Gary Roberts. This year we added more Canadian grit in Lindros, Allison, and Oneil.
By JB
August 24, 2005 01:04 PM | Link to this
Dave…Come on man…Lindros has grit?..My daughters U5 soccer team has more grit than Eric does. Lindros is gutless....He doesnt deserve to wear the Leaf`s sweater. You are right about Roberts. He just made the Panthers a much tougher team. I would love to see the Thrashers and Leafs meet in the East semis…..The Leafs will make the early exit.
By Crystal
August 24, 2005 01:47 PM | Link to this
Boo Dany when he comes back to town? Give me a break AT. You cannot blame the kid for wanting a fresh start. The last thing he needs is people like you booing him when he takes the ice. Way to be a “man” AT. Grow up.
By hossafan
August 24, 2005 02:10 PM | Link to this
As a Hossa fan living in Ottawa, I was angry at the trade but Heatly wanted out & Ottawa wanted more money to work with under the cap, Hoss had to go. Hoss(Hossa’s nickname)is an outstanding player & should really do well with the Thrashers. What I have read about the Thrashers(my new hockey team)you’ve got a young team & lots of possiblities. I would love to see Hoss win a Stanley Cup with the Thrashers, just to rub Muckler’s nose in it! Go Hoss & Go Thrashers!
By The Mott
August 24, 2005 02:30 PM | Link to this
I’m with Crystal 100% Anyone who feels they have the right to judge and heckle Dany Heatley after all he’s been through really needs to grow up. The guy made a mistake, he has to live with it every day. He made a heroic effort to try to return to his former self with the same team and it didn’t work out. He did all he was obliged to do.
Thrasher fans have to realize that he doesn’t owe them a thing. He provided Thrasher fans with far more than they provided him. Compare the hundreds of dazzling and exciting moments a top NHL player gave you VS the simple applause of fans (who’s exerting more effort) - you’ll find the scales are tipped in his favour considerably.
I’m an Ottawa fan and I hate to see Hossa traded for someone as uncertain as Dany Heatley, but it was a necessary trade to keep the PLAYERS happy. In the end I doubt either team is going to benefit more than the other. Both of these teams have so much depth now that this trade isn’t earth shattering. However, if a team like Toronto had been involved and gotten either Heatley or Hossa it would have been the beginning of the end…because then the Leafs would actually have some bonafide talent… and that would defy the laws of nature.
By Paul Cluff
August 24, 2005 04:02 PM | Link to this
Forigve my lack of southern drawl vernacular but what exactly does pond to pond scum mean when writing about Canadian media and rumours? I assume you mean Canadian hockey reporters work hard, do their homework and, as reporters at large dailies, know a thing or two about pending deals in the NHL. Any good reporter working the beat at a big daily should know ahead of time what trades are happening, even in Jurgaa!
Paul Cluff Staff Reporter Stratford, Ontario, Beacon Herald
By Brendan
August 24, 2005 04:25 PM | Link to this
In the short term, Atlanta wins this deal. But if Heatley is the perennial All-Star that we knew him to be, we’ll always wonder what might have been had he stayed. But for now, it’s time to think of the future. Atlanta got some good players. And we might be getting more.
By hardcore thrashers fan
August 24, 2005 05:08 PM | Link to this
I love the hossa for heatley swap. Heatley could never be himself in atl. i don’t understand why we picked up the salary of deVries though. At his salary, and not being a clear top two defenseman, it doesn’t make sense. I would rather have signed Petr Bondra, which the Thrashers were pursuing, with the money that deVries will make. Even with Devries we still have enough money to have signed either Anson Carter or Teemu Sellane (1 year, 1 million). I wish the thrashers had pursued a top tier right wing earlier and more aggressively. Right now- #1 priority- sign Kovalchuk to 5 year deal. One other thought, trade slava Kozlov and deVries for a top semicheap defenseman and use the extra money to sign Bondra. Nurminen blowing out his knee and being forced to retire is a shame. He would have been the perfect mentor/backup for Kari Lehtonen at a reasonable price. Overall- Thrashers win. CANT WAIT FOR OPENING NIGHT
By Bart
August 24, 2005 05:21 PM | Link to this
Hossa has no grit? How can any Thrashers fan forget that Hossa was the one who ended Thrasher Gord Murphy’s career with that shoulder-separating slam into the boards! This was a fine move by the organization for essentially probably-damaged goods. The true verdict won’t be determinable for 2-3 years, but it looks like the odds are in the Thrashers favor to win this one. I don’t think Heatley will be able to return to the promise that he had before the troubles started.
By LAC
August 24, 2005 06:04 PM | Link to this
As an Atlanta Flmaes fan, I remember the Tom Lysiak trade of 1979, 5 players to the Blackhawks for 3. It was awful to say the least, EXACT SAME type trade,never worked out for Flames and they left town, shortly after I di to to KC.
I still cheer Atlanta teams with Thrashers NUMBER #1. Heatley was a winner, a good kid… He made a horrible mistake, lots of us do, The entire city embraced him and the Snyder’s during and following the tragic events of 2003.
But to bail-out is simply CHEAP, and this is what it was, instead of showing some real guts and turning into the winner he could have been.
I supported you from afar Mr.Heatley… you let me down, I will be at The Phillips 1/2/06 and will look forward to BOO you with the other TRUE BLUE fans… You quite on Atlanta,Georgia…
Enough Said !
By Russ
August 24, 2005 08:05 PM | Link to this
Nice pickup for the Thrashers. Hossa and De Vries are good solid players that will add much value to the team. I’d just heard Hossa…..like De Vries was tossed in as a afterthought. I remember De Vries from the Stars-Avs wars of the 99 and 00 playoffs. If I recall, he got his name on the cup at the same time Ray Bourque did. Good move and good luck to Dany.
By sodapants
August 24, 2005 11:24 PM | Link to this
I’m on the fence here…. I think the Thrashers are a better “Team” after the trade, and I can certainly understand how its gotta eat at Dany’s soul every time he drives by the scene of the crime or see’s Snyder’s locker.. or his number!! Which is plastered everywhere! Tough draw, kid… but you bought it. This town was there for you… I’d have liked to see you handle a tough draw how the people of Atlanta did when it was you were the victim.
Alas.. Our offense is about the same. The upgrade on defense is what will mean the most for Thrashers. As usual, points wont be a problem, but keeping the puck out of our own net is the trick, and de Vries can help there a lot.
Now just lock Bondra down and i’ll see you in the playoffs.
By dave
August 25, 2005 05:10 AM | Link to this
It must be fun to be a Thrashers fan. The build up to making the playoffs seems to excite you folks. That seems pretty sad to me. I think the real concept of the NHL is not just making the playoffs, but winnning a cup……..
Atlanta has an exciting future I think, but losing Danny is not going to help your club. Building a team around Euros is great for points in the regular season, but if you look at great regular season teams like Ottawa, it will show a poor playoff record.
Now it seems some folks here think that adding Bondra is going to be the key part of the puzzle. (HUH????) Ask Ottawa fans if he helped them against the Leafs anymore then Hosa did in the playoffs. These guys are great in the regular season, but cannot deal with the tough playoffs of the NHL.
Good luck Atlanta.
By Bryant
August 25, 2005 09:34 AM | Link to this
It’s funny how none of the rumors of “questionable activity” came out in the media until he’s traded. Sounds like a bunch of crap to make Thrasher fans feel better about losing a franchise player. Who’s really signing your paycheck Jeff?
By Frank
August 25, 2005 12:10 PM | Link to this
What is the status of contract talks with Kovalchuk?
I keep hearing whispers he is considering playing in Russia.
By freddie
August 25, 2005 02:16 PM | Link to this
Very good point made by Bryant! This whole mess has really been downplayed by the media in Atlanta. Waddell did what he had to do, but the bottom line is we have lost a franchise player! I don’t know where Dany Heatley is right now emotionally or physically, but there can be no doubt that he has proven to be one of best in the NHL. Speculate all you want about how this will turn out, but being a long time hockey fan, I sure don’t feel good about this trade.
By briton
August 26, 2005 01:01 PM | Link to this
I’ve been reading all the comments to all of the articles surrounding the Heatley trade and it never ceases to amaze me how cruel some people can be. Some of the comments just made me downright angry and some just left me feeling sad. If you think that Dany is just being selfish and bailing, I think you seriously lack compassion, humanity, and a sense of what is really important in life.
The Snyder family has found it in their hearts to forgive and embrace Dany, yet others feel the need to continue to be hateful. Is it really any wonder that Dany wanted to leave Atlanta? I think Dany needs to do what is best for him right now, especially if he really is suffering in the ways that are rumored. I hate to see Dany leave the Thrashers too, but some things are just more important.
I have some non-hockey pictures of Dan and Dany, just hanging out and having fun like a couple of regular young guys. I looked at those pictures again the other day after reading some of the negative comments about Dany. I think Dan Snyder would have wanted his friend to do whatever was needed to move forward and find peace.
By IceDawg
August 26, 2005 09:58 PM | Link to this
Suddenly the Thrashers have a bigger problem than Heatly for Hossa…We’ve got to find an experience goalie that can PLAY at least 25 to 30 games. Pasi’s injury is a career ending one. He won’t be in net to spell Keri if he needs a day off or isn’t up to stopping the puck for several games. Dunham seems to be the logical choice - but he’ll probably want too much money. After that, who knows which free agent will work best in the Thrashers plans.
By sodapants
August 27, 2005 02:09 PM | Link to this
Ya ya ya… leave it up to a bitter ‘Nuck like Dave to blame canadian failures on euro’s. Disappointing, but not surprising.
Just look at how those crappy euro’s ruined all those cup runs for Detroit and Colorado.
Ottawa fans are the worst at this….. well, maybe tied with Toronto… Hossa has done it longer and more consistantly than Heatley. Heatley is also damaged goods and you can have him. We’re better than we were before, and you still wont win the cup because of that serial choker you have in net. And so what if Atlanta is excited about making the playoffs, Dave? It’s a new team that hasn’t been there yet? You don’t expect excitement or anticipation? And you’re just going to ridicule it from Ottawa surrounded by all those cups you’ve been rakin’ in over the years? Oh wait… there aren’t any… nevermind. I can certainly remember when Ottawa was finally given another NHL team and sucked all those years…. Can you remember that, Dave? Ya, seems like it was just yesterday! Which it pretty much was in the big picture! So save your empty “making the playoffs isn’t enough” speeches for your own locker room where it’s clearly needed the most.
By dave
August 30, 2005 09:05 PM | Link to this
Soda Pants??? (hee hee hee)
Hmmmmm…..let me think here.
Colorado,,,,,,,Joe Sakic, Adam Foot, Ray Bourque, etc (with a few Euros mixed in)
Detroit…….Steve Yserman plays on a broken leg in the playoffs.
You can yap off all you want my dear friend, but I suggest you scroll up and read my note again. I did not suggest that a team only needs Canadian players, just that they need them to win a cup. Euros also play a part, but they are never the heart and soul of any NHL team.
Cheers,
By sodapants
August 30, 2005 09:40 PM | Link to this
Interesting theory, Dave… Yet, it doesn’t explain why the all canadian teams don’t sweep the olympics and worlds all year, every year does it?
Hell, from listening to you, one would that a team with ALL ‘Nucks on it would never lose!
Hmmmm…
What annoys me about you dave is your contempt and snobbery. You think it’s “sad” that Atlanta would like to just make the playoffs. What’s ‘really’ sad is that you’ve been doing that for a while now with the same number of cups that Atlanta has. oops…
Does Detroit win without Federov and the russians?? Ya know.. the russian 5? Not a chance.
You somehow forgeot to mention Forsberg, Hejduk and Kamenksy from the ‘ol colorado roster there also…. must have been a coinsidence. They wouldn’t have won a damn thing without ‘em…
Bottom line, Dave… is that you’re just blowing smoke up your own canadian @ss…
By gosens
September 1, 2005 11:37 AM | Link to this
LAC, I think you have more problems than Dany Heatley leaving your team, such as your inability to spell and use proper grammar. Do they not have schools (you know, the place you go to learn stuff such as how to spell the word “quit”) out there?
Later y’all!
By gosensgo
September 1, 2005 11:40 AM | Link to this
Sodapants, please don’t judge all Canadians based on Dave’s comments. What Dave and the Dave’s of the world always seem to conveniently forget is that the Toronto Euro-Leafs are actually the most European heavy Canadian team out there. For some reason, this always seems to elude Leaf fans. Maybe if Dave really thinks Europeans are losers he should look at his own “team” (although they are more like a collection of misfit mercenaries than an actual team).
By dave's an idiot
September 1, 2005 07:20 PM | Link to this
Dave, you typical leaf fan riding the only bit of victory the leafs have tasted in nearly 40 years. Funny you say that making the playoffs is no biggy, that it’s all about the cup. For those who don’t know, the leafs haven’t won a cup since 1967. Nor will they in our lifetimes. Toronto hasn’t won a cup since the league expanded and got more competitive. They haven’t even made it to the finals since then either. Toronto chokes year after year after year. They will never win a cup again. Why? Because they can only beat one team in the playoffs, and that was ottawa. Ottawa and their apparent lack of grit managed to take out the philadelphia flyers with incredible ease just a few short years ago, an accomplishment that is far beyond the leafs of recent. In fact in the last 5 years toronto has beaten the new york islanders and ottawa. That’s it, two teams. Ottawa and their apparent lack of playoff grit have also beaten two teams, the new york islanders and philly. Toronto has lost to philly, carolina and new jersey. Ottawa has lost to new jersey and toronto. Only two teams have beaten ottawa in the last five years in the playoffs, three have beaten toronto. Since Ottawa’s most recent inception into the league they have come closer to the cup then toronto, being 2 minutes away from overtime in game seven of the semis a ferw years ago. Toronto in 1993 got spanked in a game seven semifinals.
Every year after toronto beats ottawa, which has generally had more to do with goaltending than anything else, they choke. Toronto has never won the series after ottawa, yet leafs fans feel that they can brag about being playoff built. The devils are a sure bet to take the leafs out. In the final game of the devils vs. toronto the last time they met, toronto (right after a sens series) registered six shots on goal the entire game to get eliminated. What playoff grit and determination they have. Alexander Mogilney and Sundin have been their shining stars, which part of Canada are they from? No more Roberts, no more mogilney, two guys who have spent more time nursing concussion syndrome than playing in the last five years as your hopeful additions. The leafs are in worse shape then ever and will extend one of the leagues longest cup droughts in NHL history. The leafs cannot win a cup, they haven’t since the league has been competitive. So tell me Dave, why is that a toronto fan can lecture any other fan about the importance of winning a cup?
And one more interesting tid bit about the cup winning abilities of Toronto. Toronto has, as a city, won 14 cups in NHL history. A few as the toronto arenas and the St Pats. Ottawa as a city has won 11 cups in their history, most as the senators, some as the silver seven. Here’s the kicker: the city of ottawa has taken 65 years off. Toronto having 65 extra years on ottawa has managed to win 3 more stanley cups then ottawa. i’m not bragging for ottawa, I’m just pointing out how bad the leafs are at winning cups. In conclusion, shut the hell up dave, this was supposed to be a discussion about the sens and the thrashers and as usual a leafs fan, who think the whole league revolves around his loser team, has made it about the leafs. The leafs suck buddy, deal with it.
By sodapants
September 1, 2005 10:03 PM | Link to this
I don’t judge anyone but Dave for Dave’s comments.. wasn’t aware I did that.
By dave
September 2, 2005 08:26 PM | Link to this
Hee Hee Hee
Wow!!!
I now even have someone naming themselves in my honor.
It is funny that the talk has turned to the “Leafs Winning or not Winning a cup”. I never started that. I simply talked about the “big trade” and how a Euro player vrs a Canadian player plays itself out come playoff time. You guys are the ones who evolved this conversation into something more.
I will also state again that I am not adversed to Euro players, and that they bring skill, speed and scoring. They do not however bring the heart and grit needed to win. They care more about the Olympics then the Stanley Cup.
Yes the Leafs have Euros, but are not the most Euro based team in Canada Mr. Goesengoes.
Mr. Daves an idot,
You talk as if you are a “Prof of the game” It is a little simplistic to speak about the teams who have beat you and the teams that you have beat in the playoffs. The wonderful thing about hockey is that it is the most difficult championship to win in pro sports. Each team is built to beat the team they feal will most stand in their way.
If one team goes 7 rough and tumble games against a tough opponent, and then plays a team who breezed through their first round matchup against a sucky team, then it stands to reason that there is some sore tired bodies. The Sens cannot get out any round if they play the Leafs regardless of which teams were played against prior.
Now lets get back to the Heatly trade………… Ottawa will win this in the long run. Good Luck to both teams.
By dave's an idiot
September 6, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this
Dave, the 7 game rough series before excuse isn’t too strong. The series that toronto choked hard to the devils is the series after the 4 game toronto sweep. Though you do have a point that torontos old tired roster has never had what it takes to make it through the long haul. I just find it extremely ironic to hear a leafs fan talk about the importance of cup winning and then compare the leafs to the recipe for success for such a thing. Clearly the leafs have no idea how to win a cup.
I suppose i should change my name to “dave’s an idiot when discussing the leafs” though because i am not entirely in disagreement about your persepctive about european players. Though toronto is not a shining example of a team that doesn’t rely heavily on europeans it is true that most europeans did not grow up watching the stanley cup playoffs. They likely watched soccer or the minor leagues in their nations. I have to say though that your comments cannot be held against every single european player. Players like forsberg have shown a hell of alot of grit and determination in thepost season, while players like radek bonk or fedorov have shown that they care but not as much as they could. Seeing fedorov go crazy in the playoffs, playing the best hockey he’d ever played years ago when he got a bunch of bonuses for how good the wings did in the playoffs proved that he was coasting for the season and was playing for the money.
Marcus Naslund, an excellent player, is another example of the typical eruo that you descibe. Though he performs, the last season played he kept saying he was gonna maybe quit and go back to sweden if there was a lock out or basically everytime something dishearteneing happened (ie bertuzzi incedent). Not really captain material in my eyes. I really liked the nucks till i moved out west for the last couple years and heard him interviewed nightly. He lacks heart for sure.
European players grew up on soccer and like soccer players they have a tendncey to grab a limb like it had just been mutilated when they had been tapped gentley by an opponent. Canadian players generally know that if you tried that in a minor league your likely to get a shot in the head. I am 100% an advocate of fighting in the game because i see the respect it commands and most europeans are appauled by that. Oddly enough they torch down soccer stadiums regularly but i suppose if it happens in the stands it is somehow more civilized.
Again, many europeans play for the money and play relaxed when they already have the money in the bank. Many europeans are simply just competitive people and though they haven’t been dreaming of the cup since age 3 they hate to lose and it drives them. And then there are a few who have grit, heart and all the qualities that our best canadian has.
Foot note: 11 out of the 21 active players on the leafs roster this year are canadian. 10 out of the 21 active senators are canadian. I think though that it has not been a european influence that has decided the series. After losing to the leafs twice, every senator has wanted to beat the leafs bad as a matter of pride. The leafs will not beat ottawa again if hasek remains healthy. Though with belofur and hasek over 40 years old both teams may have some trouble this season if backs and groins don’t hold up. It has always come down to goaltending.
The best part about heatley is the fan likability of the guy. He’s the poster boy good canadian kid. I think he’ll bring more fan support and is an adequate replacement for hossa hockeywise.
By dave's an idiot when discussing the leafs
September 6, 2005 01:23 PM | Link to this
I screwed up the ottawa canadian players stat there. Here’s the canadian per team, euro per team breakdown of the canadian teams:
Canadian per canadian team this year:
Calgary: 15 out of 22 are Canadians 61% 3 out of 22 are european 13%
Edmonton:13 out of 21 are canadian 59% 6 out of 21 are european 28%
Montreal:8 out of 19 are canadian 42% 9 out of 19 are european 47%
Ottawa: 10 out of 18 are canadian 56% 6 out of 18 are european 33%
Toronto:12 out of 21 are canadian 57% 8 out of 21 are european 38%
Vancouver:10 out of 19 are canadian 52% 7 out of 19 are european 36%
So the standings for most heavily europ based teams in canada are:
Conclusion, dave is correct that his beloved leafs are not the most euro based team in canada, they are the second most euro based team in canada. So I guess the leafs have about the same amount of grit and heart as ottawa (56% and 57%) and have more heartless gritless players than ottawa (33% to 38%). This is ofcourse this years teams but considering ottawa has lost De Vries and Lalime from their line up, two canaidans, and toronto has gained two canadians and lost a couple europeans, i think it is safe to say that last playoffs ottawa had less europeans and more canadians than toronto and that makes everything dave has said about the leafs complete BS. Again i say, dave’s an idiot when discussing the leafs. Can’t argue with the numbers dave. your euro based leafs are the fork in your argument.