Off the fence on the issue: The Oilers should resign Hemsky

by Roman_Pilgrim on Feb 22, 2012 1:42 PM MST

In the light of his "price" being driven down to the basement by the "experts", perhaps it is advisable for the Oilers to offer Hemsky a new contract, something like 4 years for 19 million (similar to what Ruutu is getting from the 'Canes). Unless the organization believe that they can get a good return for Hemsky and unless they think that Omark can fill the void if Hemsky is traded. However, I think that now a return like Jurco+B.Smith or Ellis is unlikely. I also doubt that Blum plus a pick is going to cut it. Also, while I have trust in Omark, he won't fill this void for at least another year (if ever).

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Correct the Oilers should resigne Hemsky. 3 – 5 years for a fair amount, not to mention, he never played the full 82 GP. A non-trade clause for the first 2 – 3 years.

Omark does not have the defensive potential that has Hemsky. If Omark would take over the job from Hemsky, he would have to learn to dive under ice before. Omark as a replacement for Hemsky is not an option.

Omark is too good for the AHL and too small for the NHL.

bring Sheldon Souray back!

by Screaming69 on Feb 23, 2012 3:25 AM MST reply actions

I find it hard to believe that a Hemsky deal in the range of 3-4 years @ 5 mil per would not work for both sides.

A deal structured in the manner of 8, 4.5, 2.5 seems logical: Hemsky gets a large signing bonus in year 1 (for security in the case of a lockout); Cap hit is fair; deal is front-loaded to provide Oilers insurance (If Ales’s can’t return to form by the end of the 2nd year, the buyout is low enough as to not clog the books for kids coming off their ELCs).

You could even work another .5 – 1 mil in there if necessary, while front-loading to allow for a low buyout cost in the worst case scenario.

It just doesn’t make sense, at this point, to flush him. From all reports, he won’t get much of a return (1st Round pick looks to be the high point) – let alone anything that would have the Oilers coming out ahead. Signing him to deal doesn’t mean there is no room for the young core: Hemsky either performs and is tradable (for more than when he would get now btw), or he can be bought out cheaply if you structured your deal right.

by Trites on Feb 23, 2012 3:23 PM MST reply actions

On a side note, wow was that Ruutu deal horrible. His best season was 58 points. Huge overpay in my opinion.

by George Roop on Feb 23, 2012 5:09 PM MST reply actions

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