Dallas Stars right-winger Ales Hemsky underwent surgery on his hip on Monday, and will miss the next 5-6 months because of it. If he can return in around five months, he’ll be back just in time for the playoffs. This could help the Stars with a playoff push, if he can return and be effective.
Hemsky has had hip and groin problems that have held him out of all but one game this season. He didn’t do much that game, emerging pointless after just over 15 and a half minutes on the ice.
Loss of Hemsky for season to hip surgery means Stars have lost Janmark, Nichushkin and Hemsky from forward group that was on roster in Aug.
— Mike Heika (@MikeHeika) October 31, 2016
Ales Hemsky to Miss 5-6 Months After Surgery
Hemsky isn’t what he used to be. He was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers, who took him 13 overall in the 2001 draft. In 11 seasons with Edmonton, and 652 games, he had 477 points. He set his career high in points during the 2005-06 season, getting 77 points in 81 games.
Hemsky was eventually dealt to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a couple of draft picks. After a successful 20 games in Ottawa, netting 17 points, he became a free agent. That’s when the Stars decided to take a risk with Hemsky, signing him to a three-year contract. That contract expires after this season.
In two seasons with the Stars, Hemsky hasn’t done badly. He hasn’t proved to be a first-liner, or anywhere close to what he used to be, but has been a secondary scorer. He had 32 points in 76 games during his first year in Dallas; then came back with 39 last season.
The injury could have a huge effect on Hemsky’s looming free agency. He’s a versatile forward for his age, and can promise around 30 points a season. However, missing this much time could limit his options for next season. Similarly, the injury could have an affect on his ability; something that’s already deteriorating due to age.
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