Hello/Nash vs Hemsky: Its a homer thing, isn’t it?

Posted On: Wednesday 15th Feb, 2012 | Posted By: Friesenhan Follow | Comments: 7 | Views: 373

First off, allow me to introduce myself. I am Cory, but you can call me Friesenhan. Right now you cant pronounce that for the life of you. It sounds a lot like 'freezin' hands'. Nice to meet you, ________________ (your name here).

Now, right to business.

We have all heard the Hemsky talk during this year's deadline, so I need not go over the specifics of his wanting to stay, the contract he wants, what Tambo thinks, and so on. God, that has all been blogged to death… what makes this all relevant is the rumors surrounding Rick Nash. EVERYONE loves Ricky, and every blogger is imagining a scenario in which his team can package up a pretty little deal for him.

Except for one blogger. This one gentleman asks us why we think he is so amazing, while Hemsky should go for whatever we can get for him. I thought that to be very interesting, especially when he made the point that Nash has only had one 70+ point season, whereas Hemsky has had two.

Lets compare, shall we?

Rick Nash Ales Hemsky

GP 649 532

P 527 419

P/G 0.81 0.79

G 277 118

A 250 301

+/- -74 -26

S% 12.6 11.4

There are many other factors we can consider, but lets work with these. Its obvious that, between the two, Nash is the goal scorer and Hemsky is the playmaker. What surprised me is their average points per game being as close as they are. Furthermore, its no wonder Nash is scoring twice the goals, as he takes twice the shots. If Hemsky was a trigger man rather than the set up guy, just imagine a few years of Horcoff, Smyth, and Penner being our playmakers. Ouch. And I know the whole +/- thing has many factors and is a tricky stat, so all I will do is simply bring attention to it.

So is Nash a better hockey player than Hemsky so far? Yes, but not by as much as most think. Not enough to assume a top 6 player, an elite prospect, and a first rounder (and then some) for Nash, and a 2nd round pick for Hemsky (as some are suggesting).

People make the argument that Nash hasnt been a PPG player because he is not on a great team. Hmmmmm…

2011-12

Edmonton 29th

Columbus 30th

2010-11

Columbus 24th

Edmonton 30th

2009-10

Columbus 27th

Edmonton 30th

2008-09

Columbus 16th

Edmonton 21st

2007-08

Edmonton 19th

Columbus 25th

2006-07

Columbus 24th

Edmonton 25th

2005-06

Edmonton 14th

Columbus 25th

Same goes for Hemsky, dont you think?

Lets talk salary caps now. Nash is $7.8, Hemsky goes for $4.1… is it just me, or does that really skew how much more appealing Nash is than Hemsky? I am sorry, but you are getting much more bang for your buck in Hemsky. if he wants $5 million per season? Well, for a guy who I DO believe will get back to that PPG level, who WANTS to stay in Edmonton, and considering guys are getting paid almost double to do just a little more than he, I say give the man what he wants. Hey, this team STUNK. They were horrible for YEARS, and Hemsky stayed with us. He has showed his loyalty to the Oilers organization since he came to the NHL, so where is OUR loyalty? Yes, his health is an issue. Yes, this season hasnt been his best. But I believe his best hockey is coming, and for him to wait, wait, and wait some more to see the light at the end of the Oilers tunnel, it would be nothing shy of a slap to the face to tell him he isnt worth staying here for the long haul. OF COURSE he wants a long contract, he wants to be here to enjoy the rewards of patience, that very patience he has shown us.

I hope and pray that there is some sort of honor and loyalty, as well as common sense, floating around in the head of Tambo, because I am certain that, between Hemsky and karma, not resigning will bite the Oilers in the ass.

Ahhhhhh. This was my very first blog, and I gotta say, it feels good to vent. I'll be speaking to you folks again soon.

Cheers!

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7 Comments to “Hello/Nash vs Hemsky: Its a homer thing, isn’t it?”

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longbottom said on Wednesday 15th Feb, 2012 at 6:45 pm

Great read and some very valid points for a lot of people to consider.

By the way welcome and thanks for sharing your first blog.

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Commented on: Wednesday 15th Feb, 2012 at 6:45 pm

Great read and some very valid points for a lot of people to consider. By the way welcome and thanks for sharing your first blog.
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JackieDee said on Wednesday 15th Feb, 2012 at 10:56 pm

Good blog freezin hands (sorry man, but that's what I'm calling you now!). Welcome to the site!

love the comparison between the two. I have always said that Bash would be a good fit up here, only because he's tough, he can score and he's reliable.

I doubt that he'd want to go from the 30th team to the 29th lol but I think it's something to consider. On the other hand...Hemmer is established as an Oiler. In my opinion he's peaked here and needs a trade but that's no secret to anyone that's read my blogs. 6 of one, half a dozen of the other.

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Commented on: Wednesday 15th Feb, 2012 at 10:56 pm

Good blog freezin hands (sorry man, but that's what I'm calling you now!). Welcome to the site! love the comparison between the two. I have always said that Bash would be a good fit up here, only because he's tough, he can score and he's reliable. I doubt that he'd want to go from the 30th team to the 29th lol but I think it's something to consider. On the other hand...Hemmer is established as an Oiler. In my opinion he's peaked here and needs a trade but that's no secret to anyone that's read my blogs. 6 of one, half a dozen of the other.
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Raine said on Thursday 16th Feb, 2012 at 7:00 am

It would depend what a team is looking for. As far as the Oilers are concerned a player with size and a scoring touch would be more attractive over a small playmaker. I'm not sure if the comparison makes Hemsky appear like a better player than what I tend to think of him or just makes me realize Nash could be over rated. Either way interesting to see the numbers side by side. Welcome to the site and thanks for posting. Always room for more quality blogs.

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Commented on: Thursday 16th Feb, 2012 at 7:00 am

It would depend what a team is looking for. As far as the Oilers are concerned a player with size and a scoring touch would be more attractive over a small playmaker. I'm not sure if the comparison makes Hemsky appear like a better player than what I tend to think of him or just makes me realize Nash could be over rated. Either way interesting to see the numbers side by side. Welcome to the site and thanks for posting. Always room for more quality blogs. <img src='http://www.oilogosphere.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />
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Tapdog said on Thursday 16th Feb, 2012 at 7:46 am

Great start Mr. Freeze!

When the talk came out about Nash I looked a the stats too and was surprised by them. What I think and what others have mentioned is that Hemsky is only used in an offensive role were as Nash plays every role. His game is a more complete game and like JD mentioned he is reliable. Considering Nash and Hemmer started the same year and Nash having played over 100 more games should be a concern with him only playing one role here. He has the speed and skill set to take some PK time but does not get that luxury.

I like Hemsky's skill set but his total commitment to the game is lacking. When trading a player like him you rarely make out ahead immediately due to the lack of real trades. Hemsky is a quiet guy but deep down he see's himself as the stud duck, with Eb's and Hall etc passing him by; the passion to play here seems to have dwindled or at least his body language is screaming it.

Myself I would look at resigning him only if it was a 1 or 2 year deal and his cap hit is less than his 4.1 right now. He needs to prove that he is a team player and accept his role. With that said if I was him I wouldn't sign anything like that here. He wants a 4 -5 year deal and he knows come July 1st there is a GM out there that will give him far more than the Oilers are willing to.

What I would like to see is to have him in a package that gets the Oilers a guy they need. I left a comment in Sharky's last post about Dougie Hamilton from Boston. Have a look if you want. The ones that say we will only get a 2nd rounder for him do not know what they are talking about. Other GM's know what Hemsky would bring to their team, they may only want to give up a 2nd but they know it will cost more.

I enjoyed your first post and I am looking towards more! Dude, you bio is disturbing though... You are exactly what this place needs! Welcome.

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Commented on: Thursday 16th Feb, 2012 at 7:46 am

Great start Mr. Freeze! When the talk came out about Nash I looked a the stats too and was surprised by them. What I think and what others have mentioned is that Hemsky is only used in an offensive role were as Nash plays every role. His game is a more complete game and like JD mentioned he is reliable. Considering Nash and Hemmer started the same year and Nash having played over 100 more games should be a concern with him only playing one role here. He has the speed and skill set to take some PK time but does not get that luxury. I like Hemsky's skill set but his total commitment to the game is lacking. When trading a player like him you rarely make out ahead immediately due to the lack of real trades. Hemsky is a quiet guy but deep down he see's himself as the stud duck, with Eb's and Hall etc passing him by; the passion to play here seems to have dwindled or at least his body language is screaming it. Myself I would look at resigning him only if it was a 1 or 2 year deal and his cap hit is less than his 4.1 right now. He needs to prove that he is a team player and accept his role. With that said if I was him I wouldn't sign anything like that here. He wants a 4 -5 year deal and he knows come July 1st there is a GM out there that will give him far more than the Oilers are willing to. What I would like to see is to have him in a package that gets the Oilers a guy they need. I left a comment in Sharky's last post about Dougie Hamilton from Boston. Have a look if you want. The ones that say we will only get a 2nd rounder for him do not know what they are talking about. Other GM's know what Hemsky would bring to their team, they may only want to give up a 2nd but they know it will cost more. I enjoyed your first post and I am looking towards more! Dude, you bio is disturbing though... You are exactly what this place needs! Welcome.
Friesenhan said on Thursday 16th Feb, 2012 at 10:04 am

Awesome, guys, awesome! Thanks for reading, and thanks for the kind words! And cant wait to see the abundance of nicknames I MORE than expected! Lets see if you can top my lifetime favorite, a la my tattoo artist, who calls me FROZEN DIGITS! hehehe

Maybe neither of these two is worth what they are getting (or will be getting). But hey, they really arent the first two that we can say that about, are they?!? I think that Nash is an incredible complete player, but way overrated and overpaid. I dont think he is a guy you build a team around. If some sucker is willing to trade some serious poop for him, I would say take it and try not to look too excited.

I LOVE the idea of Dougie Hamilton for Hemsky, that is GENIUS. That kinda talk, TAPDOG, Is much appreciated in these parts. I am usually apprehensive about developing defencemen, but THAT kid is SMART. I like to play devil's advocate, and will be writing a blog soon about the Oiler's D... a much different stance than most have taken this season.

Anyways, cheers to you all, stoked to be part of this!

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Commented on: Thursday 16th Feb, 2012 at 10:04 am

Awesome, guys, awesome! Thanks for reading, and thanks for the kind words! And cant wait to see the abundance of nicknames I MORE than expected! Lets see if you can top my lifetime favorite, a la my tattoo artist, who calls me FROZEN DIGITS! hehehe Maybe neither of these two is worth what they are getting (or will be getting). But hey, they really arent the first two that we can say that about, are they?!? I think that Nash is an incredible complete player, but way overrated and overpaid. I dont think he is a guy you build a team around. If some sucker is willing to trade some serious poop for him, I would say take it and try not to look too excited. I LOVE the idea of Dougie Hamilton for Hemsky, that is GENIUS. That kinda talk, TAPDOG, Is much appreciated in these parts. I am usually apprehensive about developing defencemen, but THAT kid is SMART. I like to play devil's advocate, and will be writing a blog soon about the Oiler's D... a much different stance than most have taken this season. Anyways, cheers to you all, stoked to be part of this!
fathamir said on Thursday 16th Feb, 2012 at 10:43 pm

Welcome freezy........lol

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Commented on: Thursday 16th Feb, 2012 at 10:43 pm

Welcome freezy........lol
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albertahippy420 said on Friday 17th Feb, 2012 at 7:23 pm

good stuff, I think the oilers don't want to commit long term because of future cap issues, they already have 1 bad contract with Horcoff. Can't afford 2. I never even realized that Nash was that close to Hemsky. Nash must be terrible too. lol. I'm not against signing Hemsky to a 1 year deal. He has to stay healthy for an entire season before a long term deals can happen. That's all I ask.

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Commented on: Friday 17th Feb, 2012 at 7:23 pm

good stuff, I think the oilers don't want to commit long term because of future cap issues, they already have 1 bad contract with Horcoff. Can't afford 2. I never even realized that Nash was that close to Hemsky. Nash must be terrible too. lol. I'm not against signing Hemsky to a 1 year deal. He has to stay healthy for an entire season before a long term deals can happen. That's all I ask.