An entirely plausible scenario...

The most insightful nuggets are usually buried in comment threads. I like Dennis Prouse's assessment of why Heater ain't movin' over at TUC:

Eugene Melnyk is determined to show Dany Heatley who runs the show. Self-made men like Melnyk are typically very proud guys. Can you imagine how outraged Melnyk is over the fact that some 28 year old ingrate publicly peed on his shoes? I think that Melnyk has clearly instructed Murray to drive a hard bargain for Heatley in part because he WANTS him to have to come back to Ottawa, tail between his legs. If he dares hold out for even a day, the grievance will be filed so fast it will make your head spin.