Chris Townsend

By Cam Gore

SHARK BITE GETS SHARPER
Former back to back 50 goal scorer finally gets his wish as he is traded from the Ottawa Senators along with a 5^th round draft pick to the Sharks for fan favorites Jonathan Cheechoo, Milan Michalek. and a 2^nd round draft.
Only 2 other players have scored more goals in the NHL in the past 4 years and the 2008-09 season was considered an off year from the Heatley camp scoring 39 goals and 33 assists. Goal scorers in the NHL are about as tough to find as humility is in a Yankees fan. Just ask Jonathan Cheechoo who won the Maurice Richard trophy in 2005-06 for the most goals in the league with 56 but has seen his numbers diminish in the years following netting a mere 12 goals last year. Dany has become known around the league for his consistency at putting the puck in the net. He knows where the peanut butter is kept whether it’s chunky or smooth. In other words on the road, in the playoffs, or in international play this sniper knows how to find the net.
The 6’4 220 pound Calgary Alberta Canada native was a player on all GM’s radar enjoying success as a junior and was drafted 2^nd overall in the 2000 entry draft by the Atlanta Thrashers. After a devastating car accident that killed former teammate and close friend Dan Snyder, Heatley was traded to the Ottawa Senators for Marion Hossa in 2005. Heatley suffered numerous injuries from the accident and played in only a handful of games that season. After a disappointing 2008-09 season in Ottawa the sniper requested a trade citing personal reasons and claiming not see eye to eye with new Senators coach Cory Clouston who took over half way through the season from Craig Hartsburg. Some might say he is a bit of a diva wanting out of Ottawa after signing a long term contract 2 years ago and giving up on the Senators instead of working out his differences. Sens fans and management expected to see number 15 light the red lamp for many years to come. He has 3 years left on his contract with a cap hit of $7,500,000.
GM Doug Wilson deserves a great deal of credit for making this happen. Last week a rumor surfaced that Heatley became part of the Sharks organization through a 3 team deal that saw Patrick Marleau going to the L.A Kings. For the Sharks to make this deal happen by giving up as little as they did the GM deserves more than a pat on the back. The Sharks were not the only team interested in the services of Dany Heatley. The Edmonton Oilers made a bid for the sniper and were willing to give up what many consider a better offer than the Sharks did however Heatley exercised his no trade clause in his contract and turned down the opportunity to play in his home province of Alberta. GM Wilson’s timing was excellent. The Senators clearly did not want to go into training camp with the distraction that became known around the NHL as the Dany Heatley saga. Anytime you can pick up a man who knows how to put the puck in the net the way Heatley does you have done your team a solid but to do it by giving up what he did perhaps explains why the San Jose Sharks have been one of the premier teams in the NHL for years and with deals like this one many more to come.
Thanks for reading the project,
Cam Gore

This "Cam" guy knows what he's talk'in about. What a wicked score for the Sharks. This Leaf Fan is sure glad to see him heading West. If he ever comes back East I personally think he looks good in Blue and White.

you are bang on with the top shelf reference, the boy can roof it as quick as anyone, in tight, on the off wing, he loves to test the glove of any goalie.

I agree that he and Joe will make an awesome impact, but Dany don't do defense, and Big Joe always seems to sleep when it is time to step it up. I think his play during the playoffs of 2008/09 may have cemented his place OFF of our olympic team. Maybe Dany will rejuvinate him, crap that will be 460 pounds between the two of them. Should contend again, but once again, will bow out before the start of May.

Geez at first I thought you were talking about former Chateau Shark Sniper Dave Lewis!! I see you know your facts, great job. I will definitely check in from time to time
And yes Heatley will look good in a shark suit
Go - Bubba

nice work CG. career gettin rolling nicely... had i known, i might've had a listen at the show.

The Shark Tank should be excited for this upcoming season with the addition of a Heatley. The Sharks now have potent attacks on two powerful lines, which will probably go through some juggling, but with the Guch coming around, and of course Marleau, Thornton, and Clowe to mention a couple, they are solid through and through. Behind the blue line, they are aging, with 3/4 of the D over 30, including your goalie. That said, they're filled with experience and poised for another top finish.

But, you know me... Go Canucks!

Keep up the good work. Lama

nice work CG. career gettin rolling nicely... had i known, i might've had a listen at the show.

The Shark Tank should be excited for this upcoming season with the addition of a Heatley. The Sharks now have potent attacks on two powerful lines, which will probably go through some juggling, but with the Guch coming around, and of course Marleau, Thornton, and Clowe to mention a couple, they are solid through and through. Behind the blue line, they are aging, with 3/4 of the D over 30, including your goalie. That said, they're filled with experience and poised for another top finish.

But, you know me... Go Canucks!

Keep up the good work. Lama

You forgot to mention that both Heatley and Thornton are trying out for the Olympic team Canada. What a pair they will make on the ice in SJ.

This move makes SJ an even more dangerous team offensively. Cheechoo was a character guy but can't hold Heatly's jock strap when it comes to putting the puck in the net. We'll see how much graeter a Stanley Cup threat this makes them.

Love the Meekeresque Peanut Butter reference!!

Keep it up

Heatley should be a monster this year with Joe. Could be another president's trophy for San Jose.