Ottawa's playing out the string. It's probably going to be the least interesting part of the next few months, which is fascinating considering that it's the only time actual hockey is going to be played.
You get the sense that this is going to be a huge off-season for the organization, especially after last summer's debacle. The team's still going to be heavily constricted to the internal budget set by ownership, but there are still a few dollars to play with and a number of decisions to be made.
One of the fascinating decisions GM Bryan Murray will be faced with concerns newly-acquired winger Ales Hemsky. Hemsky, who was acquired for a pair of picks (and, realistically, Cory Conacher), has been absolutely brilliant since coming over from Edmonton. He's scored at over a point-per-game rate, and perhaps just as importantly, has driven possession the way that many people thought he was capable of away from one of the league's worst hockey teams.
I remember writing prior to the actual trade that it was a no-brainer move to acquire Hemsky, if only because he had been so devalued by dumb things like the general crappiness of the team he played on, and the fact that he can't bench 225. He did come cheap, and despite Ottawa being just an abomination of a hockey team since the Olympic break, he's been a rare bright spot.
The problem with him being the bright spot is that you can rest assured other general managers have noticed. Those who may have had concerns about his game are watching him carve up opposing defenses, and there will likely be an assortment of offers from others when free agency opens up.
Bryan Murray sort of has an upper hand here in that he can extend Hemsky prior to free agency, but one has to consider that Hemsky might want to entertain all offers -- particularly those to legitimate Stanley Cup contenders.
As such, I think the price for Hemsky is going to be a bit higher than people think, though I still think the player will be more than worth the term and dollar. And, considering it seems almost certain that Ottawa's going to let Milan Michalek and his large cap hit walk this summer, you have to think that the front office will be OK with reallocating Michalek's dollars to his fellow countryman in Hemsky.
What kind of deal gets it done here? I'd guess something in the 4-year, $5MM annual range, give or take. As always with "older" guys -- older in the sense that they're likely coming out of their peak-performance age range -- I recommend offering more dollar, less term if the opportunity arises.
Assuming Ottawa wants to keep #83 around, what do you offer? And, what gets it done?
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