Montreal Canadiens: Ales Hemsky is itching for a return to the lineup
By Omar L
It’s been a while since Ales Hemsky laced up for a game with the Montreal Canadiens but he’s hoping his return to NHL action will be sooner than later.
The Montreal Canadiens had a handful of questionable free-agent signings this past summer, and there’s no doubt that Ales Hemsky was one of them. It was an injury-filled season for the veteran with the Dallas Stars as he only played 15 games, but he hoped he could still be an NHL contributor, be it with a different team.
Unfortunately, Hemsky’s game total this year is less than half of last year’s as he’s been suffering from a concussion since the October. On a more positive note, the 34-year-old has skated with the team at practice for the last few weeks, so a return may be in the near future for him.
Hemsky talked with some of the media after yesterday’s practice and gave some insight on how he’s handled the concussion.
"Obviously it’s better. I still have to do some tests on the computer (that) you have to do before you get cleared. So I can’t do any contact yet but it’s getting better slowly…You never know with a concussion it could be one week and then all of a sudden you get to one month and It’s getting longer and longer. It’s not fun."
One thing that stood out to me at least was how he mentioned that you feel depressed at times with a concussion. It must be tougher on him personally when you consider how little he’s played in the last two seasons. Again, him skating is another foot in the right direction for Hemsky.
There will need to be some dominos that have to fall to get Hemsky in the lineup once he’s cleared to play. Although the Habs are where they are in the standings, there isn’t any room right now.
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The Habs are going to be well over the 23-man limit once Hemsky, Shea Weber, and Andrew Shaw all come off injured reserve. Daniel Carr and Byron Froese have played too well in their time in the NHL this season to clear waivers.
Montreal could take a risk on the hope that no other team wants to add another player, but the Habs have had poor luck with asset management in the past and don’t need another ‘L’ in that department.
There’s also the chance that Hemsky himself is placed on waivers, which I could see him clearing.
Personally, I’d like to see him play at least one more game this season. Once you get north of 30, additional cracks at the NHL aren’t guaranteed. I’d hate for this year to be Hemsky’s last.
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