I see the debate started last night, and continues today. What does Dany Heatley’s contract mean for Marian Hossa? Not much, said Hoss today after practice.

“He knows what’s right for him, so he did it,” Hossa said. “Good for him.”

And that was a sincere “Good for him,” not a sarcastic one. Sometimes it’s hard to pick up tone on the blog. But Hossa also said that the lines of communication remain open between the Thrashers and his camp. He’s spoken to Don Waddell and expects to do so again when the season starts. He said he has no issues with negotiating during the season and doesn’t foresee a time anywhere in the near future where he’ll shut down negotiations. He stressed that the contract isn’t his focus right now.

“Right now, my focus is on the beginning of the year,” he said.

From the Thrashers perspective, they have to be pretty pleased with the Heatley contract. While Hossa said that the two play different styles, he did admit that there would be comparisons made between the two players. I still think the Thrashers would jump at a 4-year deal in the $30 million range if Hoss was willing to do it. But he really doesn’t seem like he’s in a rush to get anything done. If I was a Thrashers fan, I’d be cautiously optimistic that the two sides will wrap things up before it becomes a big distraction. He did say he likes where this team is headed, so we’ll see. I’ve got a ton of preview stuff to turn in here, so I’ll keep this brief. But do you think the Heatley contract helps or hurts the Thrashers cause? Is there any concern to starting the season without him signed to an extension?

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