Ales Hemsky, Edmonton Oilers
Jan 5, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Ales Hemsky (83) looks for a puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Long rumoured to be on the move, and it was even speculated that he was almost Ottawa-bound last summer. He has the offensive talent to be a nice fit in the top 6, and having played junior in Gatineau he is familiar with the area. He is making $5,5M in this, his final season of his current contract.
UPSIDE
It seems like he has been around forever, but is still only 30 years old. He is perhaps the most skilled player available.
DOWNSIDE
He has missed a lot of hockey due to injury in the past 6 years, and because he has been in Edmonton his entire career, hasn’t seen playoff hockey since the Oilers run of 2005-06.
WHERE WOULD HE FIT
He would mesh nicely with Spezza, adding an element of speed and skill the Senators are currently lacking. A depth player without much risk, other than the injury factor.