Since his trade request first became public 18 months ago, Dany Heatley has heard the rumours and gossip about why he really wanted to leave Ottawa.
And just days before he makes his long-awaited return to the nation’s capital Thursday night, the Sharks sniper says he is not bothered by all of the falsehoods floating around about him in cyberspace.
“You just realize it’s all BS basically,” Heatley told Rogers Sportsnet. “A lot of people come up with things and come up with theories, but that’s kind of the new world with technology and blogs and things like that. It seems like people come up with all sorts of stories. But the bottom line is it was a very simple thing: I needed a hockey change and that’s what I felt was best for me.”
In the summer of 2009, Heatley told reporters that a “diminished role” under then new head coach Cory Clouston was the catalyst for his trade request. But the speculation was that Heatley left town for another reason, which was never disclosed. When asked directly if there were reasons, other than Clouston, that he wanted to leave, Heatley reiterated his original stance.
“I think the main thing is a change. I just needed a change. Some people can’t accept that,” explained Heatley. “I know there’s been a lot of stuff speculated and lot of stories told. But the main thing is I felt like it was time for me to change and get a fresh start somewhere and I’ve enjoyed my time in San Jose.”
Heatley’s return to Ottawa this week marks the first time the San Jose Sharks have paid a visit to Scotiabank Place since the blockbuster trade between the two teams in September 2009. Senators fans circled the December 2nd date on the calendar when the NHL schedule was released in June, giving them a chance to voice their displeasure towards Heatley. The winger admits that he also looked at the date this summer and knows that he will be the target of the fans’ wrath on Thursday night.
“Obviously, I looked at that date for sure. There’s going to be some booing and things going on. But that’s fans and that’s hockey. People pay a lot of money to go to games and that’s fine,” said Heatley.
Heatley is also certain to face some pointed and direct questions from the Ottawa media, whom he has not seen since he was traded on the opening day of the 2009 training camp.
While some suggest that Heatley will avoid the media spotlight in Ottawa, he promises to make himself accessible to answer any questions.
“I’m not going to be frosty. I’m going to come in and answer questions,” he said. “That’s my job as a player and then I’ll go about my business and play the game. We’ll leave it up to the media in Ottawa to see how they are.”
In his four seasons with the Senators, Heatley enjoyed the most productive years of his NHL career. He holds the Ottawa single-season record for goals (50) and points (105) and was an integral part of the club’s memorable run to the Stanley Cup final in 2007. But his messy departure from Ottawa erased those positive associations for most of the Ottawa fanbase.
Heatley, however, maintains that he has fond memories of playing for the Senators.
“Despite everything that’s been written and talked about, I enjoyed a lot of things in Ottawa,” he said. “I had four great years there. I’ve had a lot of relationships with trainers and people in Ottawa that I’ll always be friends with. Going back will be fun to see those people.”
One of those people Heatley will see is his former centreman and good friend Jason Spezza. The two remain close and Heatley said he watched with great interest when Spezza’s name was dragged into the rumour mill this past summer.
“I watched it. We texted a little bit and we talked a little bit. Any time you see a guy, an ex-teammate and a friend, go through something like that, it’s tough,” said Heatley. “You never like the things being written or said about him. But there are passionate hockey people in Ottawa and they want their team to win. There’s not much you can do about that.”
Heatley drew the ire of a lot of Senators fans when he refused to accept a trade to the Edmonton Oilers in June 2009. Instead, Senators general manager Bryan Murray was forced to make a trade with the Sharks, in which he received wingers Milan Michalek, Jonathan Cheechoo and a second-round pick. Heatley’s refusal to go to Edmonton prompted some to state that he could not handle the pressure of playing in a Canadian market. Heatley scoffs at the notion, saying he has nothing against Canada and that the Cup-starved Sharks are under a fair deal of scrutiny of their own.
“There’s the same amount of pressure, if not more in San Jose,” said Heatley. “Obviously, the TV cameras and the media in the room is different. But the pressure on the team and pressure to win is there. The city is a big hockey town, we have a great fanbase that wants a winner.”
