Report: Senators, Hemsky break off negotiations

Ottawa Senators forward Ales Hemsky found instant chemistry with linemates Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek after he was acquired in a deadline-day deal with the Edmonton Oilers. The trio of skilled forwards produced goals and highlights aplenty, at least providing Senators fans with a fun silver lining to go with the club's disappointing campaign.

That's the thing thing about silver linings though, they still come attached to dark clouds. 

The Spezza, Michalek, Hemsky line that enthralled Senators fans over the latter six weeks of the season seems poised to meet a spectacular end this offseason. With Spezza on the trade block, and Michalek and Hemsky poised to hit the open market as unrestricted free agents, it seems possible - even probable - that all three forwards have played their final games in Senators red.

Hemsky and the club reportedly broke off negotiations this week, according to the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch. Garrioch's reporting suggests that Hemsky's camp was looking for a contract "in excess of $5.5 million per-season" while the "Senators were not prepared to make that kind offer."

So Hemsky's short-lived Senators tenure is apparently over, and it ended as quickly as it began. It was fun while it lasted, at least.