November 4, 2009

It's payback time for Eugene Melnyk.

Sun Media has learned the Senators owner was so furious with being forced to shell out a $4-million bonus to Dany Heatley, who refused to accept a trade to the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, he has filed a grievance asking for his money back.

An NHL executive confirmed Monday Melnyk filed the paperwork early in the summer, not long after Heatley wouldn't lift his no-movement clause before the bonus was paid.

Both the NHL and the players' association confirmed yesterday that the grievance has been filed.

Sources say the grievance - which will be defended on Heatley's behalf by the NHL Players Association - is pending and no hearing date has been set.