Logically, the Oilers would be best off trading Hemsky while he is still desirable for other teams. He is at the point in his career where he is well into his prime, he will be 27 this upcoming season, he has an affordable cap hit for two more years and the Oilers aren't going
anywhere with or without him any time soon. It's unlikely Hemsky will re-up his contract with the Oilers without demanding hi-way robbery.
Due to the fact that the fans in Edmonton have not had a star player since the dawn of time they made one out of Hemsky and clung onto that notion. However, I've countered that and have been advocating for years that Hemsky is an over rated player.
I never jumped the Hemsky band wagon for many reasons:
1. I don't like his attitude. He's a me first type of player. He hides in the players locker room after each game so he can dodge the media. He's not fan friendly nor contributes anything to this city, outside the rink.2. He's a defensive liability. There is no excuse for a guy like Horcoff to take first line minutes so the coaching staff can feel comfortable having a babysitter for Hemsky's lack of defensive interest. Remember when Mactavish encouraged a 2 way game - Hemsky had a tantrum and went to the media crying fowl. ( Pavel Datsyuk is a fantastic player by the way)
3. He's predictable. It's typical to see Hemsky rush the zone, great traffic in front of the net but instead circle the half boards and look for an open defense-man. Also, what the hell is with the constant puck between the legs move that never seems to work for him? Pond Hockey Hemsky is the nickname I've given him.
4. He won't shoot on traffic. He likes to have full view of the net; but the goaltender also has full view of the shot.
5. He's injured way too often.
6. He's never cracked 25 goals.
7. He puts his team mates offside way too often. That's beyond a puck hog, that's just being a fucking idiot.
8. He has never found real chemistry with anyone. It has not been the lack of effort by management either, he has had quality wingers - good enough for Hemsky to get it done anyways.
9. Then there are Hemsky's more recent comment about having "all the cards" when he becomes a free agent in two years. That doesn't sound like a player committed to the Oilers.
10. We've been waiting for his "breakout" season for what, 4 or 5 years now?
I know I'm going to get razzed for this post, as for every anti Hemsky fan there are a dozen pro Hemsky fans in Edmonton. I do understand Hemsky does bring his qualities. He's a hell of a play maker, a power play specialist and he has good speed. He has spent time in the top 15 for points when he was healthy last season, but I must add - he was the only minus player in that top 15.
There is more to an argument then just saying "he's our best player". This is the fucking Oilers for christ sakes, they were last place this past season. I don't care if you think he is our best player - because I don't think he is and guess what, I don't think Tambellini does either....
“You can debate whether or not [Hemsky]’s our best player, but he’s our most skilled player for sure.”
and it's no coincidence that Tambellini followed up with positive comments in regards to Pavel Datsyuk...
“Tougher means in a lot of different areas. Is Pavel Datsyuk a tough player? He’s a tough player. He’s a tough player because he puts his body in positions where he’s vulnerable physically at times. He’s not a strong man, to punish people, but he’s not afraid to go into areas to get pucks to score goals, to make things happen.”
I believe our future first line right winger goes by the name Jordan Eberle. You can read my views on him here: http://www.etownhockey.com/2010/07/eberle-ready-for-stardom.html and I do fully expect Gilbert Brule to be a capable 2nd line right winger. Obviously this gives the Oilers the option, and if they are serious about a rebuild they should dip into the market and see what is available for Ales Hemsky. A quality defense-man would be ideal.
So there you have it folks. You know my dirty little secret. I'm not on the Hemsky band wagon.
So bring it on!
