Tag: Ales Hemsky

Ales Hemsky isn’t a household name but he continues to quietly produce on a mediocre team.

Analysis: The oft-injured Czech native has stayed healthy thus far this year yet he still isn’t getting much love from fantasy owners. Hemsky has 10 points in 16 games this year while averaging 16 minutes of ice time per game. While those aren’t especially great numbers he is among the top thirty in scoring and fourth in goals among right wingers. He also has 6 power play points this year which is elite no doubt but he does have some negative aspects to his fantasy game. Hemsky doesn’t quite shoot as much as he should, his plus/minus will not be great and he has never been one to take tons of penalties although he is respectable in that area.

Hemsky ranks ahead of Nail Yakupov and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in terms of fantasy production this year yet he is available in 50-70% of fantasy leagues. If he remains healthy he is a viable source of points on the right wing who will continue to get tons of minutes on the power play.

After missing significant time earlier in the year with a shoulder injury, Ales Hemsky is back in form and playing well.

Analysis: The knock on Ales Hemsky is and will always be his health. He has not played in more than fifty games over the last two years but when he’s healthy he always produces. He’s a career .80 point per game player and with the Oilers much improved his plus/minus is no longer a fantasy issue. His injured shoulder appears to be healthy and while it remains that way… you just have to play him.

Hemsky is available in a little less than half of fantasy leagues which is a big plus for those looking for a boost on their right wing. His ice time in his last four games has been in the sixteen minute range but his biggest asset will be in assists. With guys like Steve Downie struggling, you have to consider making the switch to Hemsky. Hemsky will most likely miss more time down the road but as a right wing option in the present… he’s more than solid.