When GM Dale Tallon spent a historical amount of money two years ago in free agency just to hit the NHL cap floor, one had to know that not every player would give the proper return for the price tag. There are a few players that are shackles around this organization's financial ankles, and it's time to choose which contract is doing the most disservice to Tallon's ability to wheel and deal.
Here are the nominees for worst team contracts(not every player listed was acquired during free agency in 2011):
Ed Jovanovski(37 years old) 2 years left at $4.125 milliion per year- The grizzled veteran has battled injury and looked especially slow on the ice. There were rumors he may have been considering retirement last year. While he is the team captain and undoubtedly a very positive force in the locker room, the price tag compared to his limited offense, and durability, leaves much to be desired.
Scottie Upshall(29 years old) 2 years left at $3.5 million per year- After tallying 34 points between Phoenix and Columbus three seasons ago, Tallon rolled the dice on bringing in this agitator with some offensive skills. All he has done is agitate the fans with his inability to stay healthy, or put the puck in the net when he is. His paltry 10 points in 53 regular season games(out of 126) as a Panther is a painful return on investment. However, he was a surprisingly effective player in the playoffs two seasons ago.
Kris Versteeg(27 years old) 3 years left at $4.4 million per year- Signed before last season, Versteeg was rewarded for having his best year as a pro with 23 goals and 31 assists. Playing with Stephen Weiss and Tomas Fleischmann for most of the season certainly helped him showcase his abilities and potential. However, is a career high of 54 points worth $4.4 million? Especially when he is forecasted to be on the 2nd line this season? Only time will tell, but I guess compared to Upshall's salary and production, Versteeg is a steal.
Brian Campbell(34 years old) 3 years left at $7,142,875 per year- Tallon traded for the player and contract that everyone complained about at the time it was signed in Chicago...until they won the Cup. Obviously this is a salary the Panthers will gladly pay for the same results. He is one of the great guys and voices in the locker room and absolutely leads by example in every way on and off the ice. But the question remains...is he worth that salary to add some offensive punch, quarterback the power play, and win the Lady Byng?
So what do you think? Is there anyone else that should be here? Kuba would have been at the top of this list but he is no longer a roster player.
As always I look forward to your "friendly and constructive" comments, and thanks for reading.
Dan Spiegel...
Credentialed Florida Panthers Media
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