We've decided to protect our interest and keep Pavel off the ice until this situation is resolved. We're making our decisions on a player-by-player and opportunity-by-opportunity basis. We see potential opportunity to improve our club with regards to Pavel.
That's Steve Yzerman explaining his decision to keep Pavel Kubina off the ice until he can work out a trade or the trade deadline passes. This is a very prudent move from Yzerman, and as much as I like watching Ales Hemsky, one that the Oilers should probably emulate.
3 months ago
Scott Reynolds
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I’m going to have to say no on the question of whether or not we should keep Hemsky out of the line up. He’s played pretty poorly for most of the season and I think that’s affected his trade value too much. Lately he’s started to play his best hockey of the year. While we could go the safe route and keep him out of the lineup, I think it’s also like admitting to the NHL that he’s a bandaid that you can’t rely on to survive the rigors of the NHL. As well, it’s a bit too paranoid for me.
Let’s let him continue to play great hockey and build up that value.
I also should note that I’m of the belief that Hemsky staying here is not a terrible situation (in fact it would be my preference that we got him signed to a cheap contract.. although I doubt that happens, especially given his recent interview comments).
Anyways, I can see it happening where he does get hurt and the “I told you sos” come out of the woodwork, but really I don’t think shelfing him is a good option given his reputation in the league of being injury prone as well as his poor season.
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I’m all for the Oilers signing Hemsky, but they certainly don’t need to play him to sign him. As for his value, there are only five games between now and the deadline, so I don’t think he’s likely to substantially alter his value in those games. An acquiring team might even be thrilled that he’s gotten the two weeks off because it will have given him time to heal up any lingering bumps and bruises.
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by Scott Reynolds on Feb 16, 2012 11:42 AM MST up reply actions
Considering the Oilers have thus far lost 4 guys to injuries during warmups this season, I think it’s prudent.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
If the Oilers are seriously pre-disposed to trading Hemsky, pulling him off the ice is the smarter move. yes, one would hope he would continue to show improved play and marginally increase his value, but one injury and you get nothing for him. Pavel the dude.
PS – would be interested in seeing Kubina here next season, but I bet he ends up back in Tampa.
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