Heatley Deal at a Crossroads

It appears the Ottawa Senators and Dany Heatley's agents are hitting the wall during contract talks. The two sides have agreed to take a break and re-evaluate their positions before giving it another shot in about a week.

Heatley, who has had back-to-back 50 goal, 100+ point seasons, is reportedly seeking a long-term deal averaging $8.5M per year, similar to Sidney Crosby's extension. Or at least that's what his agents are reportedly seeking. The Senators, meanwhile, are countering with a figure closer to $7M, in line with Joe Thornton's contract extension.

If the Senators can't lock him up at $8.5M,then somebody will be willing to pay that come free agency in the summer. Those who are claiming Heatley isn't worth "Crosby money" are forgetting how inflated the free agent market is. If he does become unrestricted and puts in another 50-goal season, he could command in excess of $8.5M.