The NHL’s waiver wire saw a very interesting name get added to it on Monday afternoon when Montreal placed veteran F Alexander Semin on. Semin, who is currently 31 years old, is an extremely skilled goal scorer that comes with questions. Semin’s work ethic has always been questioned while his defensive play is, well, let’s call it less than stellar.
The Boxcars:
Semin is struggling. This season, in 15 games, he’s posted a lackluster 1-3-4. Those numbers are not indicative of his skill. Last year, in Carolina, Semin played in 57 games and compiled numbers of 6-13-19, quite an under-performance. Last year’s numbers got him bought out by the Canes on July 1st, hence his signing with Montreal later that month.
His last quality NHL season? 2013-14 in Carolina when he had 22-20-42 in 65 contests. That’s a quality goal scorer right there.
Why Would Edmonton Be Interested?:
The Oilers have a number of injuries, including three to skilled players who are in the top-six. Nail Yakupov is at least two weeks away by the sounds of it, McDavid could be back by New Year’s at the earliest, while Benoit Pouliot’s timeline is currently unknown. That’s an entire line, the second line actually, that is out of the lineup.
Edmonton could certainly use another skilled forward on their roster while they work through these injuries. In fact, I’d argue that adding another skilled forward would help even when the three above players and Rob Klinkhammer return from their respective ailments.
He’s a pure goal scorer too, so Semin could fit with McDavid when he returns or even playmaker Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. I can see him sliding in for Jujhar Khaira on a line with RNH and Eberle currently, he’d add a solid offensive presence to the group.
He’d also be a help on the power-play, an area where Edmonton has been inconsistent this season.
Will They Do It?:
I’m going to say no, that the Edmonton Oilers do not claim Semin on waivers. Look, he’s a solid offensive player, but he has considerable warts to his game and hasn’t been an impact player for a year and a half now. Assuming that he will bounce back is, at best, wishful thinking.
Semin also isn’t a player that fits in with either Todd McLellan or Peter Chiarelli. He isn’t big and he certainly is not hard to play against. People who call Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ‘soft’ skill should just wait until they see Semin up close on the ice. He’s a soft player without doubt.
Sure, he could help in a few areas, but I don’t think Semin fits this current group. I’d wager that the team does not place a claim on him and, quite frankly, I wouldn’t either.
Thoughts, Oil Country?
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