Farewell Ales Hemsky. Number 83, Ales Hemsky, easily the most dynamic Oiler from 2002-2010 (the year they drafted Taylor Hall).
In his final night as an Oiler Ales Hemsky treated hometown fans to some of his magical scoring ability with a 2 goal effort highlighted by a coast to coast goal, just a reminder of all that he is/was capable of.
Throughout his Oiler career Fans loved him, Hemsky was a controversial player in Edmonton. Fans hated, fans hated that they loved him. Hemsky could frustrate you by carrying the puck for two seconds to long or avoiding the wide open shot, then 2 shifts later get everyone out of their seats with an absolute sick dangle, a wicked wrist shot or an amazing pass that seemingly came out of nowhere. He is magical to look, always has been.
The highlights of his time in Edmonton include:
2005-06 season where he scored 77 points in 81 games, coupled with a magical playoff run where he scored 17 points in 24 games, including a third period 2 goal effort in Game 6 of the third period to eliminate Detroit and send the Oilers into the 2nd round with momentum that carried them to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
In 2007-08 where he scored 71 points in 74 games.
In total he had 652 GP and 477 Points in an Oiler Jersey.
Hemsky is a rare skill player that is not afraid to go in the danger areas to take a hit and make a play. This willingness/style of play cost him a lot of games to injury as he was constantly being beaten down by bigger players (hello epic battles with Robyn Regehr), only to go out there and do it again. Unfortunately he suffered some serious shoulder injuries that set back his career and forced him to miss some significant time on the IR.
He is truly magical with the puck. He can make moves while skating at full speed that only a handful of NHLers can do. He is without a doubt one of the top full-speed puck-handling players in the NHL.
This season with Edmonton he had been tasked to be a third line player, in a shutdown role, playing alongside defensive minded grit players in Gordon, Smyth/Jones/Hendricks. In spite of this he never complained, he bought in, became reliable in his own end and really tried to make a difference whenever he was on the ice.
He was miscast in this role. He is a top 6 player with top 6 speed and top 6 skills. The fact that he has become defensively responsible on top of these things makes him an excellent addition to any team looking to go deep in the Playoffs.
Acquiring Hemsky is a steal of a deal here for Ottawa Once he learns the Sens system, and gets used to playing with some new teammates; Hemsky will be an excellent addition to Ottawa. Hemsky has the ability to play with skill guys, score with skill guys, kill you with individual skill and all the while not be a liability in his own end. He will flourish outside of Edmonton. Undervalued to the bitter end both within Edmonton and around the NHL. You have acquired a hell of a player Ottawa.
Hemsky gave his best years to this team and this city. The hope is that a fresh start in a new city will not only fetch him some Stanley Cup championships, but that it will finally garner him some respect that he rightfully deserves.
Farewell 83 you were and always will be an Oiler.
Good Luck in Ottawa and beyond.