Jason Spezza Finally Got His Winger

Mar 8, 2014; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Ales Hemsky (83) warms up prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

All season long, Ottawa Senators fans wondered what it would be like if the Sens found a winger to play with Jason Spezza.  Bobby Ryan didn’t work out (although I still contend that the combination wasn’t given much of a chance), and Milan Michalek has been a mainstay but hasn’t been able to find a consistent level.  Marks Stone, Mika Zibanejad, Colin Greening have all had a turn but none worked out.

Enter Ales Hemsky, who after three games looks like a steal for a third and fifth round pick.

Hemsky came in with the reputation of a pass-first type player, much the same as Spezza so there were questions about whether or not they would mesh, and who would be able to finish.

Well, after the initial “get to know you” game in Calgary on the day he was traded, the duo looks to have meshed pretty well.  In their last 125 minutes of action, they have combined for 12 points, with Spezza scoring 3 and adding 3 helpers while Hemsky has recorded 6 assists.

Spezza seems to have been reinvigorated with his new winger, and you can only hope that it isn’t too little, too late for this season.

I wonder how long it will be before GM Bryan Murray tries to get Hemsky’s signature on a new one or two year deal.  With Michalek not likely to be back after this season Hemsky looks like a nice foil for Spezza, with perhaps someone like Mark Stone on the other wing to be a consistent finisher who doesn’t need the puck very long.