The 3 worst free agent signings of 2021
In part one of a two-part series, I look at the National Hockey League free agency, a treasure trove of bargains, overpayments, etc. This article will examine the three worst signings from the 2021 NHL free agency now that the 2021-22 NHL season is almost over.
Let's start with the bad first; whenever these lists are compiled, I feel like people always start from the good and work their way down. I want to do the inverse. Bad signings:
1) Dougie Hamilton - New Jersey Devils7-Year - $9,000,000 AAV
Dougie Hamilton joined the New Jersey Devils on a 7-year 63 million dollar deal on July 28th, 2021. The deal carries a cap hit of 9-million per season, along with a no-movement through the first four seasons and a modified no-movement clause through the last three years of his deal. Hamilton has been underwhelming in a season marred by injury. in 54 games this year; Hamilton 28, has just 28 points ( 9 goals and 19 assists). For a 9-million dollar defenseman, that's not good enough, with the Devil's missing the post season with little progress made, this long-term commitment isn't looking great right now.
2) Nick Foligno - Boston Bruins2-Year - $3,800,000 AAV
Nick Foligno signed a 2-year 7.6 million deal with the Boston Bruins on July 28th, 2021. He carries a cap hit of 3.8 million to go along with a no-movement clause this year and a modified no-movement clause next year. In recent years, Foligno has run into some injury trouble with his back, which has limited his ability to stay in the lineup and his effectiveness when he is inserted in a fourth-line role. Put, paying an aging player 3.8 million dollars a season to play mainly on your fourth line. In 56 games this year, Foligno has two goals and 11 assists for 13 points. I wouldn't be surprised if he's a buyout candidate when the season ends.
3) Philipp Grubauer - Seattle Kraken6-Year - $5,900,000 AAV
Philipp Grubauer signed a 6-year 35.4 million dollar contract with the Seattle Kraken after selecting him in the expansion draft. He carries a cap hit of 5.9 million dollars per season and has been one of, if not the most disappointing off-season signings to come out of free agency this year. Granted, Seattle wasn't supposed to be a good team; they are performing how we thought they would, but it doesn't help that, for the most part, they've gotten lacklustre goaltending from their defacto number 1. In 51 games this season, Grubauer has a 16-29-5 record with 2 shutouts, a 3,12 goals-against-average and a .891 save percentage, which is a far cry from his seasons in Washington and Colorado.
That concludes our 3-worst free agent signings of 2021
| POLL | ||
16 AVRIL | 329 ANSWERS The 3 worst free agent signings of 2021 Who do you think is the worst of the three signings? | ||
| Dougie Hamilton | 139 | 42.2 % |
| Nick Foligno | 98 | 29.8 % |
| Phillip Grubauer | 92 | 28 % |
| List of polls | ||
