Ales Hemsky
The Dallas Stars are in for a huge overhaul this summer, and there are some names likely to hit the open market because of that overhaul.
Nonetheless, they’re still paying Jason Spezza an astronomical 7.5 million for the next two years after this season. And, Jamie Benn’s 9.5 million dollar contract sets in next season as well, which is a raise of 4.25 million on his current cap hit.
Furthermore, Tyler Seguin’s contract has two years left on it after this year, so they need to be cognizant of the raise on the horizon for him.
They also have to decide if they want to hold onto Patrick Sharp’s services, who’s contract also expires this summer. And, they will certainly want to upgrade the talent surrounding Benn and Seguin, so they may want to have some extra space come free agency time to do that.
Finally, the Stars’ goaltending is atrocious, so an upgrade is necessary there, and that could get expensive for them.
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With all those factors in mind, it’s likely that the Stars let Ales Hemsky go to free agency. He hasn’t been the best producer for the Stars since he was signed by them, but he still has upside in a third line role.
There is a reason he is the last player on this slideshow. The Avs don’t really need third line talent with the likes of A.J. Greer, J.T. Compher, Matt Nieto, Sven Andrighetto and Mikhail Grigorenko in their organization.
They also don’t need to sign another veteran to an astronomical contract. However, Hemsky likely comes cheap for any team willing to take a chance on him. He’s 33 years old currently, and his best days are definitely behind him, but he was once a near point per game producer in the NHL.
He can also still skate real well, and would fit with the new speed the Avalanche are focusing on in their lineup. He wouldn’t break the bank either, and the Avs could probably get a way with offering him a two-year contract.