When he played in the NHL and was one his game, Dany Heatley was one of the best scorers in the NHL. Heatley showed why he was for two memorable seasons with the Ottawa Senators.
In his first two seasons as a Senator in 2005-06 and 2006-07, Heatley recorded back-to-back 50-goal seasons. Heatley is the only 50-goal scorer in Senators history. Heatley was a huge reason why the Senators reached the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals. Heatley was highlighted on the "Pizza Line" with teammates Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza.
The Senators Ring of Honour is an honor for former players, coaches and other hard working people within the organization to get recognition they deserved, even if former players don't get their jersey number retired. However, Heatley might not have a case to be inducted into the Ring of Honour for one reason.
Heatley wanted out of Ottawa in 2009
Although his impact in Ottawa was a solid one with recording 362 points in 317 games as a Senator, Heatley had a rough end to his tenure. In 2009, Heatley requested a trade out of Ottawa, then the Senators traded him to the San Jose Sharks.
Heatley mentioned that he felt his role was diminished in his final season as a Senator. Despite making the 2009 All-Star Game, Heatley's 72 points in 2008-09 was the lowest point total in his four seasons in Ottawa.
Sens fans felt betrayed with Heatley requesting a trade out of Ottawa. Heatley became a huge fan favorite that wanted out after four seasons. During a 2010 game when Heatley returned to Ottawa as a Shark, Sens fans voiced their displeasure at Heatley with chants and boos.
After being traded by Ottawa in 2009, Heatley went on to play for three different teams. Although Heatley recorded an 82-point season in his first season with the Sharks in 2009-10, he wasn't the same player afterward. After 2009-10, Heatley never recorded a 65-point season.
Heatley spent three seasons with the Minnesota Wild after the 2010-11 season, then played in six games with the Anaheim Ducks in the 2014-15 season.
Despite his tenure ending rough in Ottawa in 2009 with being traded away, Heatley was welcomed back with Alfredsson and Spezza for a Pizza Line reunion this past December. The three players were included in a press conference and had a ceremonial puck drop.
Heatley spoke highly of the city of Ottawa and the Senators during the Pizza Line reunion. However, even with being a dynamic player during his tenure, requesting a trade out of Ottawa might be something Sens fans may hold on Heatley, and may dwindle his chances of being inducted into the Senators Ring of Honour in the future. Playing four seasons with the Senators might not be enough to crack the Ring of Honour as well.