Murray considers deadline for Heatley trade demand

A trade out of Ottawa might not be an option for Dany Heatley much longer, according to the general manager of the Ottawa Senators.

"I think we have to fairly soon make a statement or declaration that if we're not going to get a deal done that Dany is coming back to training camp and to the Senators," Bryan Murray told reporters on Monday.

Murray said he plans to set a deadline that will require Heatley to remain a Senator if a deal isn't reached by a date that is yet to be determined.

Although some teams have expressed interest in the disgruntled forward, Murray said a deal is still far from being reached.

"Teams have indicated some interest - a couple of teams only - but we've never been able to even get what I would consider an offer that I could consider. So, for the moment I'm not very optimistic," he said.

Heatley is demanding a trade from the Senators over what he calls a "diminished role" on the team. However, Sens coach Corey Clouston told reporters last week that he never considered Heatley's role to be diminished.

Heatley scored 39 goals, along with 33 assists last season, marking his lowest point totals since joining the Senators in 2005.