“Sources say the San Jose Sharks have more than a passing interest in the two-time 50-goal scorer, but if they’re going to make the deal, they might have to get a third team involved — possibly the Montreal Canadiens — because the Senators aren’t willing to accept what the Sharks have on the table.
The Senators don’t want anything to do with winger Jonathan Cheechoo, who has been offered as part of a package along with defenceman Christian Erhoff and a first-round selection”.(source-Sun Media)
After the Dany Heatley camp informed Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini that Edmonton wasn’t an option for a trade, talks of Heatley going to San Jose in a potential three way deal including The Montreal Canadiens are being rumored.
I find this whole situation created by Heatley asking for a trade from Ottawa disturbing. With all the terms and conditions in a players contract covering trade clauses or no-trade clauses, it should be included that if you have a no-trade clause, you waive that right when you request a team to trade you.
It’s fair to assume that the purpose of a no-trade clause is to protect a player from being traded to a team they find undesirable for whatever reason, or having to up-root their family etc.. It seems like a reasonable agreement to negotiate some form of control over your destiny for players with a high enough status. If we continue with that line of thinking it’s also fair to assume the player requesting a trade finds his current team undesirable but should at least forfeit the right to choose where he goes, considering the team is at an obvious disadvantage when dealing with other teams who know they’re in a position where they have to deal the player.