Toronto, ON). The Toronto Wolfpack with an impressive start to the pre-season with a 4-1 record were not satisfied. Today they dealt forwards Steve Ott and Justin Abdelkader to the LA Devils for All-Star Forward Dany Heatley and a 2013 3rd round draft pick. Heatley has been one of the highest scoring forwards in HB scoring 50 goals in three different seasons and projects to be a top six and possible top three forward for the Pack. GM Thom Welch said," the price was steep as Ott and Abdelkader are solid checking forwards, but the opportunity to get a talent like Dany could not be missed. He will form a major scoring threat with Marleau and increases our powerplay dimensions."
Ott and Abdelkader will be replaced by Greg Campbell and Bergenheim most likely with Heatley picking up most of the minutes and Campbell taking Abdelkaders checking minutes. The Wolfpack have added a lot of scoring during the off season and this move again adds to powerplay options for the team and solidifies the Top 6.
The financial ramifications of the deal are minor. Although Toronto adds payroll for the year, Heatley is on a one year contract so it comes off the books at the end of the year. However, Toronto will own his rights and will decide their options after the season. A future return is guaranteed as the 3rd round pick will provide some future return should Heatley seek free agency after this year.
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