OTTAWA -- While Cory Clouston introduced the newest member of his staff Thursday, talk turned to what's becoming an old story for the Ottawa Senators coach: what to do about Dany Heatley.
ALEX KOVALEV
Clouston, speaking on a conference call after the Senators announced the hiring of former NHLer Brad Lauer as an assistant coach, said he's yet to speak with his disgruntled star. It's Heatley's unhappiness over his diminished role and ice time since Clouston took over as head coach that's been cited as the reason for the left-winger requesting a trade out of Ottawa this spring.
"I'm more than willing to listen and talk to anybody, but nothing's changed at all," said Clouston, who was "surprised" at Heatley's request.
Clouston, who took over after Craig Hartsburg was fired on Feb. 2 and led the Senators to a 19-11-4 record down the stretch, has previously only spoken briefly with reporters at the NHL draft in June about the situation. Since then, the Senators have seen a proposed deal that would have sent Heatley to the Edmonton Oilers vetoed by the player. Clouston remains disappointed with the development.
"I really don't know what else to say," he continued. "(But) whatever cards we're dealt, I'll work with them. That's with or without Dany."
Earlier this week, the Senators welcomed talented-but-enigmatic forward Alex Kovalev to Ottawa for the first time since he signed a two-year, US $10-million deal as a free agent earlier this month.
Despite a reputation as not necessarily being the easiest player to work with for a coach -- a label the Senators and Kovalev himself don't feel is fair -- Clouston is thrilled about the addition of a player with talent to burn, especially if forced to enter the season without Heatley's offence.
"My first reaction was I was just very excited for the organization," Clouston said. "Alex brings something into the mix who can change a game in and of itself.
"Obviously, there's been a lot of negativity surrounding the organization (over Heatley). It's like a breath of fresh air."
ALEX KOVALEV - "A BREATH OF FRESH AIR"
Lauer moved into coaching after finishing his playing career with the Sheffield Steelers of the British Super League in 2001-02. The past two seasons, he's been an assistant with the American Hockey League's Milwaukee Admirals.
"I appreciate the opportunity that (Clouston) has given me here," Lauer said. "I'm excited about it and I feel very comfortable making this next step.
"I've got to get to know the guys from the team. I know from watching the Senators play the last couple of years that they're an exciting team, they bring a lot of work ethic."
ALEX KOVALEV
Clouston, speaking on a conference call after the Senators announced the hiring of former NHLer Brad Lauer as an assistant coach, said he's yet to speak with his disgruntled star. It's Heatley's unhappiness over his diminished role and ice time since Clouston took over as head coach that's been cited as the reason for the left-winger requesting a trade out of Ottawa this spring.
"I'm more than willing to listen and talk to anybody, but nothing's changed at all," said Clouston, who was "surprised" at Heatley's request.
Clouston, who took over after Craig Hartsburg was fired on Feb. 2 and led the Senators to a 19-11-4 record down the stretch, has previously only spoken briefly with reporters at the NHL draft in June about the situation. Since then, the Senators have seen a proposed deal that would have sent Heatley to the Edmonton Oilers vetoed by the player. Clouston remains disappointed with the development.
"I really don't know what else to say," he continued. "(But) whatever cards we're dealt, I'll work with them. That's with or without Dany."
Earlier this week, the Senators welcomed talented-but-enigmatic forward Alex Kovalev to Ottawa for the first time since he signed a two-year, US $10-million deal as a free agent earlier this month.
Despite a reputation as not necessarily being the easiest player to work with for a coach -- a label the Senators and Kovalev himself don't feel is fair -- Clouston is thrilled about the addition of a player with talent to burn, especially if forced to enter the season without Heatley's offence.
"My first reaction was I was just very excited for the organization," Clouston said. "Alex brings something into the mix who can change a game in and of itself.
"Obviously, there's been a lot of negativity surrounding the organization (over Heatley). It's like a breath of fresh air."
ALEX KOVALEV - "A BREATH OF FRESH AIR"
Lauer moved into coaching after finishing his playing career with the Sheffield Steelers of the British Super League in 2001-02. The past two seasons, he's been an assistant with the American Hockey League's Milwaukee Admirals.
"I appreciate the opportunity that (Clouston) has given me here," Lauer said. "I'm excited about it and I feel very comfortable making this next step.
"I've got to get to know the guys from the team. I know from watching the Senators play the last couple of years that they're an exciting team, they bring a lot of work ethic."
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