Yesterday I looked at the circumstances and the factors affecting the contract status of Milan Michalek for next season. Today I look at the newest member of the Senators’ organization that has turned heads and will need a new contract in the near future.
Mar 31, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing Ales Hemsky (83) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in a shootout at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Ales Hemsky went from villan to hero in the matter of 24 hours. His 2 goal effort on March 4th against the Senators was one of the key games that has resulted in the Senators missing the playoffs this season. The next day he was in the Senators’ lineup after the trade deadline deal.
All he has done since joining Ottawa is put up 3 goals and 10 assists in 16 games in a Senators uniform and re-invigorated both Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek in the process.
Hemsky, without a doubt has world class skill and he can bring people out of their seats with flashy moves and playmaking ability. He became stagnant in the losing atmosphere of Edmonton and was overshadowed by younger, more highly touted players. The move to Ottawa allowed him to play top line minutes and showcase his skills.
The question facing the Senators is whether or not they can, or want to, get his name on a contract. The likely going rate for a player such as him could be around the 5 year, $25M area. As I said in the Michalek piece, despite the fact the two Czechs have played well together, there is likely room for just one of them next season.
Hemsky isn’t the greatest defensive player in the world, but is just -1 in his Senators tenure.
So what would you do if you called the shots?