Dany Heatley Wants ANOTHER Second Chance With The Minnesota Wild…Does He Deserve It?

Dany Heatley has been demoted to the fourth line for the Minnesota Wild. This is a bitter pill for the 2002 Calder Memorial Trophy winner to swallow. He has also had his ice time reduced since the trade deadline arrival of Matt Moulson and Cody McCormick. Heatley and his coach, Mike Yeo, had a lengthy chat on both topics at the mornings skate in preparation for tonight’s Wild game in Boston Garden. He didn’t comment, but his coach did:

“We had a talk when it first happened, and he’s been handling it really well. I don’t want him to be, ‘Oh everything is great.’ I want him to be demanding more ice time. But the No. 1 way to do that is through your play.”

Minnesota is Heatley’s fourth stop in the NHL. He began his career with the Atlanta Thrashers in 2001, and it was with the Thrashers that the German-born player won the Rookie of the Year Trophy. The following season, Heatley avoided the dreaded Sophomore Slump, ending the season with 42 goals and 89 points for ninth best in the NHL.

On September 29, 2003, Heatley lost control of his high-powered Ferrari, and smashed into a wall in Atlanta. He and his best friend, team-mate Dan Snyder were ejected from the car. Heatley was seriously injured, suffering a concussion, torn knee ligaments, a broken jaw, and a bruised lung and kidney. Snyder was not that lucky; he suffered a fractured skull and died from sepsis, caused by his injuries, on October 5, 2003. The police estimated that Heatley was driving approximately 70 miles per hour, more than twice the posted speed limit on the road where the crash occurred. Heatley had been drinking prior to the accident, but was not charged with DUI as his blood alcohol level was not above the legal limit.

Heatley was charged with first degree vehicular homicide, but reached a plea agreement and plead guilty to second degree vehicular homicide, driving too fast for conditions, failure to maintain a lane, and speeding. Heatley was sentenced to three years of supervised probation. While many were infuriated that Heatley avoided prison, Snyder’s parents were not among them. In an act of grace that few will ever witness, Snyder’s mother LuAnn visited him shortly after her son succumbed to his injuries; she embraced Heatley, and assured him that he was forgiven.

Heatley played only 31 games that season and scored only 25 points. While playing in Europe during the 2004-05 lockout, Heatley requested, and was granted a trade to the Ottawa Senators. The Atlanta fans, who had supported him after the accident, felt somewhat betrayed by his decision; Heatley maintained that he wanted to try and put the tragedy behind him.Given a second chance, Heatley did well in Ottawa, scoring 50 goals and 53 assists during the 2005-2006 campaign. In 2009, Heatley, frustrated with the Senator’s play, requested a trade. Ottawa brokered a deal with Edmonton, but he refused to waive his no trade clause to go to the Oilers. Heatley was eventually traded to the San Jose Sharks, where he played until he was traded to the Minnesota Wild in July of 2013.

Heatley, now 33, has had his production decline, leading to his moving from the Wild’s second line down to the fourth line. Danny Heatley has had numerous second chances handed to him,if he wants one more second chance, he needs to earn it.