The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

Today I had already booked time off work. So I was pleasantly surprised to learn Wednesday afternoon that Dany Heatley would hold his first media conference since demanding a trade that same Friday @ 1pm. I don't think I've ever listened to a conference call live so I thought it might make for some interesting listening...of course, the likelihood of getting any startling revelations was minimal and that was on the back of my mind. To start the call, Dany's agent said up front Heatley still wanted to be traded and that hasn't changed. Here are some the main points he spoke about:

- Dany felt his role was diminished on the team and he signed the long term, big money contract because he thought he would be an integral part of the franchise. Okay stupid, do you think an average $7.5 million a year player would be playing 4th line minutes? Did you not see your stats actually improved once Clouston arrived?  Sigh. Moron. Next:

- Dany has nothing against Edmonton. He simply chose not to accept the deal because it was the only option. In other words, he didn't like that option and was waiting for other options. For instance, if the San Jose Sharks were the only option he wouldn't go for it.  Right.  Okay, so far we've learned nothing new.

- Dany chose to be quiet and not make any public statements because he didn't want to add to the circus. Okay, I'm not sure who's giving you this advice, but any agent or PR person will tell you being quiet is probably one of the WORST things you can do, and actually adds to even more speculation and rumour as to why you're leaving. In other words, CONTRIBUTE to said circus.   My personal feeling is that you feel you don't owe Ottawa or the fans an explanation, and the only reason why you're doing so now is because Steve Yzerman told you to do so.

- Dany says he isn't worried about his reputation taking a blow, because his teammates knows he's a good team guy. Right. That's why, when Clouston arrived, the team turned things around and started to put a few marks in the win column, at the cost of you playing an average of 18 minutes instead of 20 a game, so you decided you wanted out. Sure Dany, sure. Your reputation is rock solid.  That's the sign of a team player.

- Dany never meant for the trade request to become public. This is probably the only statement I'll give him credit for. It's much easier to trade someone when there's no pressure to do so and this summer has been a roller coaster for all involved. But still, there's no excuse for being quiet until forced to talk by the people running the Team Canada training camp.

Anyway, during the Q & A, Ottawa Sun scribe Don Brennan thought he'd be funny by stating before his question, "Sorry I've been so busy to return your calls." He came across very childish and unprofessional. I was never a fan of the guy to begin with, but this just confirmed what I thought of him: I no longer want him writing about my Senators.

It is clear the team is best without Heatley now and it's time to move on. The only good thing that can come out of this entire mess is that the team will use this as a rallying point to prove Heatley and the naysayers wrong and become a contender again in the NHL.