Why the Oilers Made the Right Decision in Re-Signing Ales Hemsky

Leading up to the NHL trade deadline, it was much speculated that the 9-year NHL veteran, all of which he's spent with the Edmonton Oilers, would be dealt if a new contract extension could not be reached. Well, on Friday evening all the rumours could be laid to rest as Steve Tambellini's offer of two years at five million per was sufficient for Ales to re-ink.

Soon after the contract was signed, NHL fans and even former NHL players took to twitter, most notably Mike Modano and Jamie Rivers tweeting their opinion.

One thing is for sure, Ales Hemsky has the talent to prove skeptics wrong. His re-signing may end up being one of the more shrewd signings Oilers General Manager Steve Tambellini makes during his tenure.  

Takes Some Pressure off the Kids

Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have already undoubtedly taken over as the main sources of offense; once Ales Hemsky's sole role.

With multiple weapons at forward teams won't be able to double-team any one player because that would leave a skilled forward unmarked.

Having too many skilled forwards is never a bad thing.

Ales Hemsky and Taylor Hall have formed some chemistry as of late, adding a healthy Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to center them (sorry Horc), and you may have one of the best lines in hockey.

It's Still a Bargain

On the open market a player of Hemsky's caliber could receive a multi-year deal in the the four-to-six year range, plus a cap hit of over 5.5 million. 

Ales Hemsky signed on a 'hometown' discount.

There are worse contracts floating around the league (Leino, Gomez, Gionta, etc.) with longer terms which have more major implications than a two year contract extension.

Trading Chip

What risks are involved in a two year, five million dollar contract, with no clauses involved?

None.

Ales Hemsky will be the first to tell you that he hasn't had the type of season he wanted, but even on an off year he's still on pace for around 55 points, which isn't horrendous.

His value may be even higher in two seasons time when he will once again be an impending unrestricted free agent. The Oilers may be in the midst of playoff run and could decide to keep him around or resign him; or if there is a need on the roster at a different position, they could always still trade him. 

Wants to Stay in Edmonton

Usually when an Edmonton Oiler is on the verge of unrestricted free agency, it means they're pretty much as good as done as an Oiler.

It's never a bad picture being painted when one of your 'own' decides to decline looking at other options and wants to stay in Edmonton.

This is a good PR work done by Hemsky for Oil Country. Could the old adage be true?

"Once an Oiler, always an Oiler."