MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Dany Heatley says he is ready to be the go-to goal scorer the Minnesota Wild have been seeking.
The Wild landed Heatley from San Jose on Sunday night, sending forward Marty Havlat to the Sharks in a swap of two 30-year-old wingers.
Wild GM Chuck Fletcher says Heatley is a better fit for the team than Havlat was in two seasons in Minnesota. Havlat tied for the team lead with 62 points, but is more of a playmaker than a pure goal scorer.
Heatley has excelled in that area throughout his career. He is coming off a subpar 26-goal season with Sharks, but said nagging injuries played a role. Heatley says he is healthy now and committed to reporting to Minnesota in top shape to regain his scoring touch.
