It’s been quite awhile since The Bell Centre resonated with the chants of “Alex, Alex, Alex”. Dubbed a “Hero” by many habs faithful, Alex Kovalev provided Montreal Canadiens fans with a new level of excitement and in-game heroics for nearly 5 full seasons.

Elsewhere in the NHL, another “Alex” was cementing himself as one of the leagues best – but not without a little controversy.

In Washington, Alex Semin was trying to prove that he was one of the most dangerous snipers in the game.

During any point of a game, Capitals and NHL fans in general, could be treated to an absolute talent show by Semin barring that he felt like playing that night. It didn’t take long before NHL fans and media outlets started questioning his dedication to the team.

Mar 8, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Alexander Semin (28) watches the play against the Edmonton Oilers at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Edmonton Oilers 7-4. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Becoming a free agent in the summer of 2012, Semin was further insulted by both Marc Crawford and Pierre McGuire during the July 1st TSN Free Agent Frenzy.

“You either take a complete winner, or you take a complete loser” – Marc Crawford

Crawford used this analogy when telling GM’s to choose wisely between Zack Parise and Alex Semin.

Pierre McGuire was next to belittle Semin by saying

“This is not a great teammate”. “He’s a real coach killer” – Pierre McGuire

Regardless of the “subtle” warning, Jim Rutherford decided to take the chance on Semin and bring him to Carolina. The first season, Alex tallied a shocking 44 points in 44 games and was making Rutherford look like a genius. That offseason, Jim decided to award Semin with a lucrative contract that ended up turning sour. Over the next two seasons, Alex managed to only muster up a staggering 20 points.

Trending downwards, the Carolina Hurricanes decided this past June to buyout the remaining two years of Semin’s contract at $2.33 million for the next 6 seasons.

So what next the for Russian Enigma… The Montreal Canadiens? (Who would have seen this coming?). Montreal’s Divisional Final exit in this past Stanley Cup Playoffs was summed up into three words – Lack of scoring!

Ok, so the Habs have no secondary scoring behind Max Pacioretty, but why Semin? – you might ask. It’s a higher power! I don’t know what it is, but highly gifted players who put on the iconic jersey seem, to have a huge resurgence in their career. Mix the aura, a deadly shot, world-class skill(when utilized) and the fact that this is probably Semin’s last chance in the NHL, makes his $1.1 million dollar contract a real smart signing.

As a fan of the league in general, I can’t sit and defend Semin for his on-ice deficiencies. That being said I find it sickening the amount of times broadcasters and analysts cut down and insult players. We don’t sit in the dressing room, nor do we ever have concrete evidence that would give us the right to call a player out. I personally believe Semin will electrify the Bell Centre and prove the critics wrong. I will go on record that Semin will be that mid-round fantasy pick up that will help get you to the promise-land. “Alex” will be chanted at the Bell Centre again, however this time, 2.0 might very well be the upgrade that takes Montreal back to the Stanley Cup.