The Calgary Cryer has finally been granted his wish, as the Senators dealt one of the league’s best goal scorers, Dany Heatley and a 5th round pick to the Sharks for Milan Michalek, Jonathon Cheechoo and a 2nd rounder.

Once again the team that deals away the best player loses the trade. Had the Oilers acquired Heatley back in July, they too would have won the trade, but at least Ottawa would have gotten more for him.

Would any of you have traded Cogliano, Smid and Penner for Michalek, Cheechoo and a 2nd? Unless you were smoking the hippie whiskey I doubt it.

This is a horrible trade for Ottawa and a great one for the Sharks.

The Sharks get a proven 45 goal man and they only gave up Michalek. At this point Cheechoo is a throw in. He has lost since being injured, and unless he had a miraculous off-season I can’t see how his skating has improved that much.

Sure, Cheechoo scored 56 goals in 2006, but since then he has been on a downward spiral goal scoring wise. He scored 37 in 2007, 23 in 2008 and only 12 last year. He’ll get ample playing time in Ottawa, but I don’t see him being more than a 30 goal man with the Senators.

The Sharks meanwhile boast some of the best offensive talent in the game, but until they get some mental toughness they will continue to be a top-end team that can’t win.

Look for training camp updates starting tomorrow. The first on-ice session begins at 8:15, and I will be there regardless of how hung over I am.