Eriksson, Ladd face off as early free-agent busts

Money well spent?

On July 1, the Vancouver Canucks and New York Islanders committed a combined $68.5 million over the next seven years to secure the services of two wingers in Loui Eriksson and Andrew Ladd.

As the two teams get set to meet Monday at Barclays Center, the results so far have been underwhelming, to say the least.

Here's a look at how the two players are faring with their new teams.

Lowly Ladd

We've seen stranger things, but something definitely seems upside down in Brooklyn.

Yes, that's Ladd listed as the fourth-line winger, while Cal Clutterbuck gets a prime assignment alongside John Tavares.

After allowing Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen to depart as unrestricted free agents this past summer, general manager Garth Snow attempted to fill the void by signing Ladd to a seven-year, $38.5-million contract.

Through 12 games, Ladd has recorded a lone assist and 25 shots on goal, and is currently on pace for a total of seven points on the season. He's also on the wrong end of the shot attempt game, with a 45.65 Corsi rating in five-on-five play.

For his career, Ladd is averaging 49 points for every 82 games played, and in all likelihood he'll turn things around at some point. But to date, life in Winnipeg is certainly looking better than New York for the former Jets captain.

What a hipster thing to say that is.

Languishing Loui

Out West, things aren't looking much better for Eriksson.

Coming off a 30-goal, 63-point season with the Boston Bruins, the Swede signed a six-year, $36-million contract in the offseason and seemed like a lock to ride high with the Sedins on Vancouver's top line.

The results so far? Zero goals and four assists in 12 games, with 19 shots and a demotion to the second line to boot.

Averaging 56.5 points per 82 games, the outlook for Eriksson seems a bit more encouraging than Ladd.

For starters, he's on pace for 27 assists, and he's seeing almost 20 minutes a night. An injury suffered by Jannik Hansen has also likely opened the door for Eriksson to get another shot at lining up with the Sedins.

Eriksson has recorded a 55.2 Corsi rating (five-on-five), meaning he's on the ice for more shot attempts for than against, which is a good sign.

The slow starts for each player are a bit of a microcosm of how the Islanders and Canucks are doing this season, and a breakout for either as early as Monday's head-to-head would be most welcome.

(Advanced stats courtesy: Puckalytics)