Sens Lock Up Heatley

The Sens announced the re-signing of Dany Heatley today, ensuring that the Heater will keep the scoreboard scorching for many seasons to come. With the unofficial deadline of signing before the new season starts, tonight against the Leafs, Heatley and the Sens closed the deal, signing a new 6-year extension. The cap average is be 7.5 million, putting Heatley in line with the Flames' Iginla and the Sharks' Thornton, who signed for 7 and 7.2 million extensions, over five and three years, respectively, and in the form of a 10-8-8-8-6-5 million front loaded contract, similar to that of Philadelphia's Daniel Briere.

The new deal now puts Heatley in place as the Senator signed for the longest, one year past recently re-signed Mike Fisher, keeping him in the capital until the end of the 2013-14 season. Heatley has produced a whopping 100 goals and 108 assists for 208 points, while playing in each of the past two season's 164 games. Heater's also tallied 10-24--34, playing in all 30 playoff games over the past two seasons.

The new contract leaves roughly 15 million dollars worth of space under next year's cap, with 11 out of 21 players under contract for that season. While it has been disputed whether Heatley or Spezza should be re-signed first, I agree with the decision made by Muckler and Melnyk to lock up Heater.

To compare, Heatley's totals have increased over his two years with the team, he's played in all 164 games, he's been given penalty kill responsibilities, and before being paired with Spezza he scored 80 goals and 180 points in 190 games over three seasons with the Thrashers. Spezza's totals have dipped over his two years with Heater, he's averaged only 67.5 games over those years, he's not able to be used in any situation with much success outside of offense, and before Heatley, he only scored 29 goals and 76 points in 111 games over two seasons with the Sens. Heatley has more than proved himself to be a champion and thrive in any situation, and rightfully he is the one that has been signed first.

With only 15 million (plus any cap increase) to spend, Spezza may very well leave the nation's capital. But at least if he does, unlike with Heatley, we will likely get fine RFA compensation in return. Hopefully though, we can drop some extra goaltending salary, gain some more cap room, and lock down the last piece of our top line.