NHL
– The Senators have finally traded their disgruntled two-time 50 goal scorer F Dany Heatley and a fifth-round pick to the Sharks for F Milan Michalek, F Jonathan Cheechoo and a second-round pick. Heatley said, “It was tough. It wasn’t the greatest summer. No question. “I’m relieved and excited to be going to San Jose…I don’t think I did anything wrong asking for a trade. I had my reasons and if people think different of me that’s fine, but I feel I’ve done nothing wrong and I’m happy to move on.” The 28-year-old Heatley signed a six-year/$45M extension less than two years ago with the Sens.
Both Heatley and the Sharks have finally gotten what they’ve wanted. Heatley will get to avoid the unwelcome return to the Sens’ lineup lineup after demanding a trade all summer long, and the Sharks get another big offensive weapon that they’ve been searching for after successive postseason failures. Heatley should be depositing pucks left, right and centre with F Joe Thornton feeding him all the time. If they can develop some on-ice chemistry, Heatley could easily have a 50-goal season.
– The Blue Jackets have re-signed F Derek Dorsett to a two-year deal. The 22-year-old Dorsett had four goals and one assist with 150 penalty minutes in 52 games as a rookie with the Blue Jackets last season. He ranked second on the club and led all NHL rookies in penalty minutes and added 116 hits.
WWE
– As noted earlier, WWE scrapped Dolph Ziggler’s match with John Morrison for tomorrow’s Breaking Point PPV. The reason given for the match’s elimination from the card was finish-related, as officials couldn’t come up with one. Instead, the match is currently penciled in for the Hell in the Cell PPV in three weeks, but plans can always change.
WWE has instead added a match between US Champion Kofi Kingston and The Miz for tomorrow night’s show. It was obviously a late decision, since neither even appeared on this past week’s episode of RAW.
– It was reported earlier this week that WWE’s original plan for Undertaker vs. CM Punk at tomorrow night’s Breaking Point pay-per-view was a Taker victory. Internally, many feel the time isn’t right for Undertaker to beat Punk, but the idea of a clean submission win for the champion was not believed to be under serious consideration.
– According to FayObserver.com, Chief Deputy Neil Godfry of the Moore County Sheriff’s Office says that the Fayetteville Police Department actually received a tip several days ago that Jeff Hardy was in possession of a large quantity of drugs. That tip led to an investigation and subsequently, a search warrant.
– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is speaking out about Jeff Hardy’s shocking drug arrest, calling the incident “disturbing.” Here’s what JR said at JRsBarBQ.com:
“The news of Jeff Hardy’s apparent arrest on drug charges is disturbing. I have spoken to no one about this matter and only know what info that I have read that was distributed by the police in North Carolina.
I hope that there is better news on this matter forthcoming from Jeff or his attorney. Hopefully, Jeff has retained sufficient counsel to help him address these issues. I know that Jeff Hardy is a good young man with endless talents who finished his stint in WWE in grand fashion. Jeff, as are none of us, isn’t perfect and I only hope this matter can be resolved quickly and efficiently so Jeff can move on with his life in a healthy and positive way.
Jeff Hardy is innocent until proven guilty as there is likely much more to this matter than we know at this time.”
– Lance Storm posted a message on his website on Friday reflecting on September 11, 2001 as well as Jeff Hardy’s arrest. Storm says he believes police charged Jeff with drug trafficking simply because of the large quantity of drugs found, not because he was actually a drug dealer. Storm said:
“I think having your own personal drug problems (no matter how severe) and being a drug trafficker are two completely different things. If the quantities of drugs, reportedly found in Jeff’s possession, are accurate then we have to assume he has a very serious drug problem, and that, even more so than his pending legal woes, is my biggest concern.
When Jeff was suspended from WWE the last time, for a Wellness violation, and then shortly there after lost his house and dog in a fire my heart went out to him. I think a lot of people (myself included) thought and hoped that was a turning point for Jeff and he had gotten his life in order since. Unfortunately that does not appear to be the case.”
TNA
– In an interview with Diva-Dirt.com which will be published tomorrow, former WWE Diva Kristal Marshall addressed Internet rumors saying she is joining TNA Wrestling in the near future.
“I haven’t been in talks with anyone over there,” Marshall said.
Although, it should be noted that Marshall will go into further detail including the extent of her dealings with TNA. Marshall will also talk candidly of her and Bobby Lashley’s respective departures from World Wrestling Entertainment and reveal the “shocking details” of how one company official treated them.
NBA
– The Clippers have re-signed F Steve Novak.