“Sasha”, as he was affectionately known, was drafted by the
Capitals in 2002 and proceeded to record 197 goals and 211 assists in 469 games. In his time in the District, he dazzled fans
with his stick handling skills and a blistering shot, but he was never able to
shake the criticism that followed him over his effort and attitude. Semin routinely disappeared during the playoffs
much to the chagrin of Washington fans who continually saw their team struggle
in the postseason. In 2012 Semin recorded
only four points in the playoffs, and only two assists in seven games against
the Rangers. As the rest of the team
committed to coach Dale Hunter’s defensive-minded style, Semin instead
complained of his reduced role.
Semin also does not have the ability to impact a game outside of the score sheet as former teammate Alexander Ovechkin. Even if a team can manage to keep Ovechkin out of the box score, he always seems to make an impact whether through a big hit, drawing defensemen to him, etc. He can carry the team on his shoulders; the same cannot be said of Sasha.
And let’s not forget the infamous slap fight Mark Staal. If you have never seen it, youtube it; it’s worth the watch.
A fresh start is what both the Capitals and Semin needed. While his talent demands a large contract, the questions surrounding him and lack of production reached a point that made him simply too expensive to keep. This was true last year and George McPhee should have looked to trade him, but no doubt Semin’s potential is what kept him here so long. Regardless, the Caps could no longer pay $6-7 million for a scorer they could not rely on in the playoffs.
From Semin’s perspective, a new team and system may reignite the passion he seemed to lack in DC. After struggling in the playoffs, Semin rebounded with a two goal performance in the World finals for team Russia, helping them secure gold. I honestly believe he would feel more comfortable in the KHL where he would be paid more and could sign for longer than a single year, but he chose to remain in the NHL for at least one more year. Despite the negative scrutiny that has surrounded him over the past few weeks, he gave the Caps a lot of great moments and we should all wish him the best at his new team. I just wish it was somewhere outside of the division….
Semin also does not have the ability to impact a game outside of the score sheet as former teammate Alexander Ovechkin. Even if a team can manage to keep Ovechkin out of the box score, he always seems to make an impact whether through a big hit, drawing defensemen to him, etc. He can carry the team on his shoulders; the same cannot be said of Sasha.
And let’s not forget the infamous slap fight Mark Staal. If you have never seen it, youtube it; it’s worth the watch.
A fresh start is what both the Capitals and Semin needed. While his talent demands a large contract, the questions surrounding him and lack of production reached a point that made him simply too expensive to keep. This was true last year and George McPhee should have looked to trade him, but no doubt Semin’s potential is what kept him here so long. Regardless, the Caps could no longer pay $6-7 million for a scorer they could not rely on in the playoffs.
From Semin’s perspective, a new team and system may reignite the passion he seemed to lack in DC. After struggling in the playoffs, Semin rebounded with a two goal performance in the World finals for team Russia, helping them secure gold. I honestly believe he would feel more comfortable in the KHL where he would be paid more and could sign for longer than a single year, but he chose to remain in the NHL for at least one more year. Despite the negative scrutiny that has surrounded him over the past few weeks, he gave the Caps a lot of great moments and we should all wish him the best at his new team. I just wish it was somewhere outside of the division….
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