DANY HEATLEY LEAVING OTTAWA — This is one writer, who thinks its time for a team to stand up and decline a star player’s trade request. I have always loved Heatley’s game and ive always assumed that he is a good guy (and he likely is). But enough is enough. The signing of long-term contract extensions, with a trade demand one year into them, is common place in the NBA. NBA Commisioner David Stern was smart enough to collectively bargain a reduction in maximum contract years, in all contracts, in part to help save the teams from themselves. Furthermore, no players (aside from a unqiue situation with Kobe Bryant) have the right to decline a trade (referred to as a no-trade clause in the NHL and MLB). The NHL should have addressed these issues in the past CBA, and will be forced to do so in the next agreement. In the short-term, there is nothing stopping the Senators from declining Healtey’s wishes, and giving him the option of playing or staying home for the season. Though this would crush my fantasy hockey team next season (Heatley is the star winger on my keeper league team), i would love to see the Senators take a bold stance here. My guess is, if not traded, he plays and plays well this upcoming season.
