Simple. Heatley wanted a change, Atlanta had to oblige. Hossa is a great return and is a proven top-notch scorer with playoff experience (even if the bulk of it is learning how to lose to the Leafs). Heatley for Hossa is a wash on the scoresheet if not a win for Atlanta over the next year or two. Heatley (who I really, really like) has emotional baggage (understandbly) and has damaged knees and eyes. He should be able to return to form but he's not as safe as Hossa. Heatley will sell tickets in Ottawa though and will light things up with Spezza while Hossa gets to play in a system where he doesn't have to play defense and he can fly with Kovalchuk, assuming Kovalchuk gets re-signed. Again, it's a wash.

But Atlanta gets Greg de Vries, who underperformed in Ottawa and might be a bit overpaid. Keep in mind that de Vries played for Atlanta's coach, Bob hartley, for 4.5 seasons in Colorado and won a Cup with him. How many Cup winners do the Sens have now? Atlanta has Holik and de Vries plus Mellanby who played in the finals with Florida.

I'm bummed out that I won't see Heatley play 41 times in person this year but I think Atlanta made out well.

I think it's a great deal for both teams. Atlanta gets an outstanding player (that Ottawa couldn't afford to keep) in Hossa, and a solid defenceman (that was overpaid for his role as a 5th D in Ottawa) in deVries. Ottawa gets one of the great rising stars in the league who hopefully will flourish after a change in scenery.

I agree with Ben that Heatley is a bit more risky, but I think he has more upside than Hossa who is already preforming toward the top of his potential.