Ottawa Senators president Cyril Leeder says Dany Heatley's trade demands are hurting the hockey club financially.
Leeder told business and community leaders on Thursday that many fans have stopped buying tickets because of the Heatley trade saga.
The disgruntled winger is demanding a trade from the Senators over what he calls a "diminished role" on the team.
However, Leeder acknowledges the recession and last year's poor performance are also contributing to slow ticket sales. The team is now trying to ratchet up efforts to sell tickets for the upcoming season.
"Really our business is based on fans and putting fans in the seats," said Leeder.
Heatley was expected to arrive at the Ottawa airport Thursday night. He is expected to play in the Ottawa Senators charity golf tournament on Friday.
