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NHL Rumors: Ales Hemsky to test free agency in summer

By Josh Hill

Apr 13, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Ales Hemsky (83) handles the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Senators won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Ales Hemsky (83) handles the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Senators won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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When we saw a slew of trades made at the NHL Trade Deadline back in March, we knew that there wold come a time when those trades would have to be truly paid for. While the initial price paid to acquire players at the deadline varied in steepness, the end result of most trades will see players leaving the teams that acquired them to test free agency.

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One of those players is Ales Hemsky, who was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Ottawa Senators at the deadline but isn’t likely to stick around and re-sign in Ottawa before testing the market first.

According to the Ottawa Sun, the Sens are unlikely to give Hemsky $5.5 million per season salary he’s seeking and talks between the two sides have broken off.

"League sources told the Sun Tuesday talks between the Senators and Hemsky’s camp have broken off and unless there is a change of heart on his part he’s expected to test the UFA market on July 1.The 30-year-old Senators winger, acquired from the Edmonton Oilers at the deadline in exchange for two draft picks, was believed to be looking for a deal in excess of $5.5 million per-season from the club."

Hemsk being traded to the Senators was a bit of an odd move at the time and it ended up going absolutely nowhere, Ottawa still missed the playoffs and Hemsky wasn’t all that effective with his new team. The next question is where will he decide to sign as he’s still a top level player who can contribute greatly to a contender.

A return to Edmonton isn’t out of the question but Hemsky has options and likely won’t be rushing a decision on where to play hockey next season.

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