Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell

One pending free agent who will be available come July that isn't getting much talk is Ales Hemsky.

The 30-year-old Czech winger put up 17 points in 20 games with the Senators and was consistently one of the best players on the ice, but will not be re-signed because Sens owner Eugene Melnyk is cheap and won't spend anywhere close to the cap.

Nevertheless, Hemsky is a guy who was used as a scapegoat for Edmonton's struggles over the years, but unsurprisingly wasn't the real problem and strongly benefited from a change of scenery.

He's reportedly asking for a contract worth around $5 million per season which, depending on the term, I'd happily give to him.

Hemsky is still a quick skater who's creative, can drive possession and put up points when given opportunity. Despite playing much of the season on a horrible team with poor linemates compared to the rest of the Oilers' young stars, and playing the home stretch while trying to adapt to a new team, his production rivals that of the top Devils players.



As you can see, only Jagr and Elias averaged more points per 60 minutes of 5 vs 5 than Hemsky, and had these numbers been altered to the final 20 games only (where Hemsky had a fresh start and top-6 minutes) he would have been tops on the list.

He'd help on the power play, too, as his numbers last season would be near the top of the team.



He's more durable than he gets credit for - he's played in 113 of 130 (87%) games over the last two years - and at age 30 still has lots of gas left in the tank.

Sens beat writer Bruce Garrioch reported weeks ago that Hemsky would prefer to play in a market where he's less scrutinized. New Jersey certainly fits the bill, and they have several players from the Czech national team that have played with Hemsky in the past and are familiar with him.

Ultimately Hemsky may elect to go with more of a sure-fire contender, but the Devils make sense for several reasons, and I think they'd be smart to make a play for him come July.

**

Devils posts

It's decision time in New Jersey

On the reported hiring of analytics guru Sunny Mehta

Adam Larsson committed to playing in New Jersey

Devils prospect data: Damon Severson stellar in 13-14

Maple Leafs among potential landing spots for Brodeur

2nd round draft targets

Jackets posts

Jackets shed light on plans for pending free agents

Blue Jackets should listen to offers on Jack Johnson

Blue Jackets prospect data: Rychel, Bjorkstrand dominant

Offer sheet for Ryan Johansen?

Sergei Bobrovsky deserves to be paid as one of NHL's elite goaltenders

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Email: [email protected]