Montreal Adds Semin

Just a little over three weeks from getting bought out and becoming an unrestricted free agent, forward Alex Semin finally found a landing spot in Montreal.  The Canadiens signed the enigmatic winger to a 1-year, $1.1 million deal, which optically appears as a reasonable tryout sort of contract.

It has been widely said in the early hours of this deal, just how low-risk, high-reward this deal can be, especially since Semin has the hands of a former 40-goal scorer, possibly playing with some capable playmakers in Tomas Plekanec, Lars Eller and/or P.K. Subban.

Semin concluded a 3-year stint with the Hurricanes with a poor showing in the 2015 season, only scoring 6 goals and 19 points in 57 games, missing time with a few injuries throughout the year.

With those numbers, you would think there would be no reason why he would get his own dedicated post today, except that this deal will spark some debate on whether or not he can become pool worthy once again.

In order for Semin to have any gains in the coming season, he'll need to go back to his 1-year deal ways, which he had with the Capitals, back before the Hurricanes signed him long-term.  He'll have to care enough to earn those contracts, as the negotiations should come every Summer.

If that happens, which is a pretty big if, then there are gains to be had through the Montreal lineup.  Whichever line he lands on, there is bound to be more assists and the power play should certainly improve, which means last season's MVP, Carey Price, has a much better chance to stay on top.

Personally, I'm not prepared to gamble that much on Semin, but I am putting him back into pool-worthiness.  If I was to trip over Semin in a deep draft, taking him as a late forward option, then I'll keep my fingers crossed for a big bargain.