Looks like 6 more years of hearing Glenn Frey's horrible 80's song "The Heat is On". It's the only song I don't mind hearing 25+ times a year, since it plays after Dany Heatley scores. Heater is rumored to have signed a 6-year, $8-$7.5MM/year deal this afternoon. Supposedly, the Sens had until the start of the season (today at 4:30PST) to get a deal done, or wait until the end of the season. Heatley had a self imposed deadline, to avoid contract talk 'distractions' during the season. Probably wise. Since it's in the Sens best interest to get a deal done now. He would have received max salary offers in the open market. If you really want the guy, time to pay up. Otherwise, the season long drama and questions will hurt the team. (see Buffalo Sabres 06-07)
I like how the team payroll is shaping up. Heatley, Fisher, Alfredsson, Phillips, Volchenkov, Emery are signed in descending salary and contract length. It shows a pretty clear value that the organization places on each guy. I pretty much agree with the deals. That leaves Redden a UFA at year's end, and Kelly, Vermette, Eaves and Meszaros as RFAs. This is actually a good situation. Redden and Meszaros could stand to prove their worth after a bad season. While Vermette, Kelly and Eaves have to take it to the next level, or possibly get left behind.
Spezza is also a RFA at season's end. It may be easier to sign him now, since Heatley is on board long term. But Spezza better not expect Heatley-type money, 'cause he has issues. He can't hit or backcheck. He has missed time with a back injury. I think they should let the season play itself out. Spezza could stand to show some defensive improvement and a willingness to shoot. See if he can play a full 82 games. Giving Heatley big money is a slam dunk, not so much for the Spazz..
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