2014 NHL Free Agent Busts: Return to Sender

Sep 22, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars right wing

(83) watches from the bench during the game against the St. Louis Blues at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Blues 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Ales Hemsky ($4,000,000/year, 3-year contract)

Remember when Hemsky was known as an all-star talent who just needed to stay healthy to show what he could do? Well, the good news is he’s been relatively healthy during his first season with the Dallas Stars.  The bad news?  Well, he kinda stinks.

Hemsky just returned to the lineup after being a healthy scratch for two games.  Coach Lindy Ruff is hoping it wakes up his slumping winger who has produced a paltry two goals, six assists, and an ungodly -12 in 27 games this season.  Hemsky was supposed to be a driving force on the Stars’ second line after its elite top unit, but instead has been a big reason why the Stars’ forwards outside its big three of Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and Jason Spezza have only scored 35 goals in 29 game this season.

The only piece of good news is the Stars are in good shape salary cap-wise over the remainder of Hemsky’s contract, so his anchor shouldn’t prevent them from trying to improve the club in the off-season.  Other than that his signing has been a huge blunder by general manager Jim Nill.

The Stars made a surprise playoff appearance last year and had a strong round one showing against the Anaheim Ducks.  Hemsky was supposed to help this team to the next level.  So far it’s been nothing short of a disaster.  They are sixth in the Central Division and any notion of making a repeat trip to the playoffs seems far-fetched.