OTTAWA — The San Jose Sharks made the big move that has been expected ever since their best regular season ended with a first-round playoff exit, acquiring disgruntled winger Dany Heatley from the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.
The Sharks gave up Milan Michalek, Jonathan Cheechoo and a second- round pick to acquire Heatley, who had been involved in a lingering dispute with the Senators because he felt he was not being properly used by the team.
“It was tough. It wasn’t the greatest summer. No question,” Heatley said in a conference call Saturday. “I’m relieved and excited to be going to San Jose.”
Ottawa also sent San Jose a fifth-round draft pick.
The 28-year-old Heatley signed a $45 million, six-year contract extension less than two years ago with the Senators.
“I don’t think I did anything wrong asking for a trade,” Heatley said. “I’m happy to move on.”
Camp opens minus Gretzky
PHOENIX — The Coyotes are opening training camp without coach Wayne Gretzky.
One day after the conclusion of arguments in front of a U.S. bankruptcy judge, the team began preparing for the upcoming season despite the absence of the “Great One.”
Gretzky’s coaching status remains in limbo until Judge Redfield T. Baum makes a ruling in the bankruptcy case of Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes.
“His position with us is to be determined,” Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said.
Flames invite Fleury
CALGARY, Alberta — The Flames have invited former all-star Theo Fleury to training camp on a tryout basis, general manager Darryl Sutter announced.
Fleury lives in Calgary and began his career with the Flames, playing 11 seasons for them. His last season was with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2002-03, after which he was suspended indefinitely for violating the NHL’s substance abuse policy.
The 41-year-old Fleury says he’s sober and asked for reinstatement. It was granted by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association late Thursday.
Footnote.
Right wing Derek Dorsett has signed a two-year contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets that runs through the 2011-12 season.
The Associated Press
