Heatley Trade Will Benefit Both Sharks and Senators

The Ottawa Senators finally traded disgruntled star winger Danny Heatley. Heatley was packaged along with a fifth-round draft pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for former 56 goal scorer and Richard Trophy winner Jonathan Cheechoo and the talented Milan Michalek, as well as a second-round draft pick. Heatley was said to be unhappy with his "reduced role" under new coach Corey Clousten and had asked to be moved. The irony of this is that the Senators finished the season strong under Clousten... so much for the team player. In any case, the Senators had to make this trade...Heatley would have been a dark cloud and a distraction at Senators training camp and would have alienated some team-mates. In any case, I feel this trade will benefit both teams.
There is no denying Heatley's talent; the former second overall pick and Calder Trophy winner has scored 180 goals in the past 4 seasons, including a pair of back to back 50 goal campaigns. He also registered over 100 points in his 50 goal seasons, establishing himself as one the NHL's top offensive stars. With soft hands and a deadly quick release, Heatley is tailor made to play with Joe Thornton, one of the NHL's premier play makers. Along with the young and speedy Devon Setoguchi, this line will be among the NHL's best in the following season. Look for Thornton, who has 2 seasons of 90+ assists to his credit, to reach the 100 point plateau for the first time in 3 years. Heatley will be the recipient of many of Thorton's pinpoint passes, and may very well surpass the 50 goal mark.
As for the Senators, besides ridding themselves of a player who didn't want to suit up for them and a potential year-long headache, they will be receiving Jonathan Cheechoo and Milan Michalek. Both players are coming off sub-par seasons, and there is only room for improvement. Cheechoo has been in a total tail-spin since leading the NHL in goal scoring in 2005-06. He scored a paltry 12 goals in 66 games last year, and there is not much room to get less!! Cheechoo is a tough and rugged forward with a good shot, and I'm pretty sure he'll bag at least 20 goals for the Sens, depending on his linemates and time on the power play. Michalek, a former sixth overall pick in the draft, is entering a crucial year in his career development. He has all the tools to be a great player in the league. A rare combination of size, speed and skills, Michalek will look to take his career to another level in the coming year. Newcomers Cheechoo, Michalek, and the newly acquired Alex Kovalev all have something to prove in the coming year, and look for solid seasons from all 3. If the Sens get solid goaltending and solid offense from Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza as well as their new faces, look for a much improved Sens team in 2009-10 that will challenge for a playoff spot.