VANCOUVER, ON — Dany Heatley wants out. STC has confirmed that the 29-year old who has just been named to the 2010 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team, informed the team of his desire to play hockey elsewhere.
Despite the fact that the squad has yet to hold its first practice or unveil its proposed line combinations, the veteran forward is rumored to already be unhappy with his role on Team Canada.
According to reports, Heatley discussed his concerns about what he felt was the limiting of his ice time with head coach Mike Babcock in a telephone conversation just minutes after the rosters were announced last Thursday.
Complicating matters further, Heatley has a no-trade clause in his contract with Canada which allows him to veto any proposed trade deemed unsatisfactory.
In order to deal Heatley, Team Canada GM Steve Yzerman would have to be less selective than he would otherwise be, as Heatley will have significant input into where he moves.
Sources say the Russian team is one Heatley would consider playing for.
"WTF?” Yzerman said on Tuesday. “It was a mock clause. No one seriously expected him to... I mean, you can’t just...”
"We have been having discussions with Steve Yzerman concerning Dany," Heatley's agent J.P. Barry told STC. "I'd like to continue these discussions in private before determining what's best for Dany,"
Both sides agreed some time away would help remedy the situation.
Heatley notched 39 goals and 33 assists in 82 games last season. The 72 points were his lowest point totals in his four seasons with the Senators.
The veteran winger, had back-to-back 50 goal seasons in 2005-06 and 2006-07.
