Thanks to everyone who stopped by the earlier chat earlier today. It’s fun talking about the Sens and the NHL. The main topic was Dany Heatley, of course, but there were many more topics discussed, such as Chris Kelly, Brian Elliott, and Alexei Kovalev.
Many reports suggest the Columbus Blue Jackets may have entered the Heatley Sweepstakes, and even though it does make sense from a financial standpoint, I haven’t heard anything about Scott Howson talking to Bryan Murray. The two have talked a lot the past year and Murray may have taken some flak for not pulling of the Auld-Russell trade, so let’s say the talks between the two are off for now. San Jose is piecing an offer together and many people are wondering who would be in it. Milan Michalek is a possibility along with Joe Pavelski and/or Ryan Clowe. A darkhorse, as mentioned earlier, are the Pittsburgh Penguins who would absoulutely love to have Heatley and Sidney Crosby together. The hot rumor was Chris Kunitz, Alex Goligoski, and the Pens’ 1st rounder in 2010 for Heatley. I like the deal and it also puts the Sens and Pens under the Cap. However, my money’s still on the Edmonton Oilers. Bryan Murray has to give htis ultimatum to Heatley whther he likes it or not, it’s Oilers or Sens. I’ve heard Jason Smith may be going to Edmonton along with Heatley for Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner, and Tom Gilbert. I expect a deal to be done by the end of July.
Chris Kelly is also an interesting player to watch. His stock has dropped dramatically and is making a lot of money for his type of play. Jesse Winchester is a cheaper, younger version of Kelly. Detroit is interested because they need a PK’er, and Florida may be as well. The return may be a high pick or a mid-tier prospect. There is also word Murray may be trying to acquire Jiri Hudler’s arbitration rights. I think Kelly is gone but he might stay.
As I said to some people during the Live Chat, I will be going on vacation from August 5th to September 1st to Europe. I won’t be able to access a computer unless I have time, which I doubt but I will try. However, I want to keep Sens Buzz up and running during my leave so I am looking for 2 authors to become the main writers during my vacation and co-authors when I come back. If you are interested, please e-mail me at ademaj4@gmail.com. In you’re e-mail, please include your name and location, and an essay of min. 100 words. You will have to write about what you would do to the Sens if you were Bryan Murray. Deadline is July 15th. When I choose the 2 writers, I will get e-mail the permissions and you can start blogging!