The Fourth Period :: Edmonton Oilers :: Jagr thinks trade is best for Hemsky


February 24, 2012 \| 10:33am ET

Jagr thinks trade is best for Hemsky
TheFourthPeriod.com

According to the Edmonton Journal, Flyers forward Jaromir Jagr thinks his friend and fellow countryman Ales Hemsky would benefit from a change of scenery if he's dealt by the Oilers at the Feb. 27 deadline.

"Maybe if he went to a different team it would like a new start. Maybe he gets 100 points. He's that skilled," Jagr told the paper. "Sometimes staying in one place won't help players ... Maybe that's what he needs. But I haven't seen Ales play the last few years, being in Russia. We haven't played together in three years, since the World Championship."

Hemsky, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, has been looking to sign a long-term contract extension in Edmonton.

However, Oilers GM Steve Tambellini would likely give him another two years at $5 million per season as the Oilers know they'll have to dig deep to offer more lucrative second contracts to young talents Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle in 2013 and rookie Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in 2014 when their entry-level deals expire.

While Tambellini has spoken to Hemsky's agent, Jri Crha, and is aware of what it'll cost to bring the winger back, the Oilers are likely to wait until they find out where Columbus Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash is dealt, if he goes anywhere at all, to decide if they move Hemsky.

The 28-year-old, who has posted five goals and 21 assists for 26 points in 47 games with the Oilers this season, is expected to become more valuable on trade deadline day.

More Trade Deadline Info
List of Trades | No-Trade/No-Movement Clauses | Top 25 Available Players | Team-by-Team Cap Info