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UFA2B: Could Milan Michalek Be a Late-Blooming Superstar? |
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Ever since Michalek was a member of the San Jose Sharks I have always enjoyed watching this guy play hockey. You really have to see him play live to fully appreciate the skills he possesses. He does a lot of things at a much higher level than most people realize, and he has one of the heavier shots in the NHL. I have been told this time and time again by players and goalies.
However he also has a huge issue with consistency that has plagued him on more than one occasion and helped him get ushered out of San Jose. But when he is good he is very good, even showing flashes of superstardom.
And believe it or not Michalak is only 29 years old, making him of the best scoring young UFA's on the market.
Staying in Ottawa?
He is said he likes it in Ottawa, but at this point not much is been done to really make that happen. The Senators are in a very weird transition period. We very likely will see Jason Spezza moved at the draft and another UFA2b Ales Hemsky is someone I have heard the Senators will try to keep. The Sens are also only one year away from Bobby Ryan being a free agent. Where I the Sens I would've concentrated more on the Michalek before now.
Who likes him?
Well I will say this... I am not the only one who sees Milan as a possible "diamond in the rough" so to speak. The guy is a left winger, a position that many NHL teams need desperately. And his talent level seems to be at his highest when he's playing with other skilled players. I have heard his name mentioned in trade rumors more than once this past year, including to the Edmonton Oilers before the Hemsky trade was made.
I have also heard the Montréal Canadiens may put in a big offer. My source noting that his age and style fit in to the needs of the Habs.
The New York Islanders are another team looking to sign talented forward with a little more experience and one scout told me he was watching Michalek on more than one occasion this past season with an eye on July 1.
The Red Wings and Stars are two other teams on the very early board I am told.
What do you think of Milan Michalek?