Reports are swirling on twitter that Alex Semin has signed a one year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes. The Report apparently originates from the Russian News paper, SovSport. First (that I saw) to have the report in English was Matias Strozyk of Elite Prospects and this was quickly followed up by Dmitry Chesnokov of Yahoo Sports.
Semin is a much maligned player, and was called a “coach killer” on this year’s TSN Free Agent Special by none other than Pierre McGuire. Semin scored a disappointing 54 points for the Capitals last season, and only 1 goal in their 7 game loss to the New York Rangers in the second round. However, some such as our very own Maksim Vasilyev took a look at Semin and believe he was unfairly maligned as he simply did not have any consistent linemates or support in Washington. You can read his piece here.
This shouldn’t be a problem in Carolina which will have a deep top 6 next season that is likely to feature Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, Jeff Skinner, Jussi Jokinen, Tuomo Ruuttu, and Semin. Semin will surely be given a featured role on the Canes, and paired with a very good centre who could have an excellent season next year. This move certainly puts his fantasy stock on the rise for poolies.
However, it will be up to Semin to show that he can play big in big game situations in the NHL. His overall playoff stats aren’t bad, but Semin has disappeared in 7 game playoff losses to Pittsburgh, Montreal and New York in 3 of the past 4 seasons. In Washington’s 21 games in those series, the noted sniper has only scored 2 goals.
Carolina coming off a year where they missed the playoffs, is clearly no lock to make them next year. However with the additions of Jordan Staal and Alex Semin expectations will be high. With a reported one year, $7 million deal, Semin will have the opportunity to prove critics wrong and show that he can be a top offensive force in the NHL.
