5. Dany Heatley
Dec 27, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Dany Heatley (51) against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 2-1 in an overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 317 GP, 180G, 362P
Height/Weight: 6foot4, 220lbs
Acquired: Trade With Atlanta
When you look back on Heatley’s time in Ottawa, it is often criticized for the decision he made in 2009 that led to him being shipped out for a minimal return.
But the fact remains, Dany Heatley provided the Sens with 300+ games of the best hockey in his career. He’s still the only guy to ever score 50 in a Senators uniform and he did it twice. Along with those two 50 goal years were also 50+ assists, meaning he’s also the only guy other than Daniel Alfredsson to have 100 points in a season.
Say what you want about how his time ended, but Heatley was the Steven Stamkos of his day. He was an incredible asset to the Senators and perhaps the best Senator of all-time if you’re talking about individual season play.
The reason he has such a bad wrap of course has to do with his trade request and career after Ottawa. He’s often teased for having a bad attitude towards the game and he’s also been involved with off-ice incidents. After Ottawa he only lasted a few seasons in San Jose, before being shipped to Minnesota and now a UFA who finished his season in the AHL.
He’s no longer that great player, he won’t ever reach the 1000 game mark, but at one point he was among the NHL’s elite talents. He’s still top 10 in Senators all time scoring and top 5 in goal scoring. Those great individual seasons he had means he’s up there in terms of the greatest Senators of all-time.
Next: #4: Another Spoiled Departure