3 worst signings of the offseason
Who says the offseason can't be exciting?
This July 1 saw over $600 million spent on free agents with nearly all the expected names plucked off the board. Of course, while many teams were able to load up and improve their rosters by opening up their checkbooks, the fact remains that not every signing was a slam dunk.
Some deals could very well handcuff certain teams, especially with cap room being such an important commodity. Here are the three worst signings we have seen this offseason.
Darren Helm
In the hours leading up to the free agent frenzy, the Detroit Red Wings made one of the biggest splashes of July 1.
The club inked Darren Helm to a five-year, $19.25-million contract, for reasons not entirely known.
Helm is coming off a four-year, $8.5-million deal, and after never managing more than 15 goals and 33 points - which he collected during the 2014-15 campaign - the Red Wings rewarded Helm with a significant raise.
Helm finished 10th in team scoring, managed just a 51.94 Corsi-For, and contributed no points on the club's special teams. Factor in that Helm is 29 years of age and it's difficult to understand exactly why the team would commit so many years to a player whose best days are likely behind him.
Matt Martin
While the contract might not necessarily break the bank, the fact of the matter is the Toronto Maple Leafs have committed $10 million over four years to a player who will likely feature on the fourth line.
Of course you won't find more truculence and toughness than in Matt Martin. The 27-year-old has led the league in hits every year since the 2011-12 season.
Unlike Maple Leafs enforcers of the past, Martin does have an offensive side, even if just slight. He set a career-high in goals (10) and points (19) with the New York Islanders last season.
The Maple Leafs could use a tough customer at their disposal with a number of skillful rookies expected to enter the lineup quickly, but $10 million over four years just might be a bit much to pay for such a player.
David Backes
The Boston Bruins certainly took a risk on July 1 inking David Backes to a five-year, $30-million contract.
The 32-year-old is coming off his worst statistical season since 2012-13. He managed just 21 goals and 45 points in 79 games, a 13-point decline from the year prior, but still managed to score a pay bump.
The contract is front-loaded and will pay Backes $8 million the first two years, meaning he will be making $3.25 million more than he did last season.
Backes' age isn't helping his case either. The contract, after all, will conclude after he turns 38 years old, if he's even still playing by then.
Backes certainly fits the Bruins' mold as a strong and skilled power forward, but with his best days behind him and a steep bill, the Bruins might regret this July 1 signing.