The All-Overpaid Free Agent Team Of 2013

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Every year at the opening of free agency, there are some GM’s who absolutely lose their minds, whether it be from pressure to field a competitive team, internal ego to get what they want, or whatever. Every year there are some ridiculous contracts where players get overpaid by such a vast amount that they are laughable. Most often, competition drives up the pot, and you get to the point where they say, well we have gone that far, what’s another million?

Apr 25, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save on New Jersey Devils center David Clarkson (23) during the third period at the Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Penguins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

There is also the odd contract that makes sense. Even a good player can sign for a competitive amount despite the environment of July 5th. Here is my first All-Overpaid Team, from those signing contracts since the end of the season.

GOALIE

Apr. 26, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) makes a save during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Smith – Phoenix Coyotes (6 years, $34M)

For the goalie who had the 28th best GAA and 25th best SP this season, Smith cashed in and sits between Jonathan Quick (SC and Conn Smythe winner) and Sergei Boborovsky (reigning Vezina Trophy winner) in terms of cap hit.

DEFENSE

May 1, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Mark Streit (2) handles the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Streit – Philadelphia Flyers (4 years, $21M)

It is not surprising the the one team that couldn’t really afford to overpay for the 35 year old who will be 39 by the time the contract is over. He will be firmly in the spotlight in Philly. He is -41 in his last 130 NHL games.

DEFENSE

May 19, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators Pdefenseman Sergei Gonchar (55) controls the puck in the third period in game three of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Sergei Gonchar – Dallas Stars (2 years, $10M)

Gonchar had a good final season in Ottawa, but his days of being a top pairing defenseman are behind him. More of a mentor who will chip in and hopefully help Alex Goligoski regain what he had in Pittsburgh to make the James Neal trade a little more palatable.

FORWARD

Stephen Weiss – Detroit Red Wings (5 years, $24.5M)

March 2, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Florida Panthers center Stephen Weiss (9) carries the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at the PNC center. The Hurricanes defeated the Panthers 6-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Weiss has always been somewhat of an underachiever. He provides options for the Wings to play Henrik Zetteberg and Pavel Datsyuk together, but even as a second liner, I would compare him to Kyle Turris in terms of impact. Turris’ cap hit is $3.5M.

FORWARD

Ryane Clowe – New Jersey Devils (5 years, $24.25M)

Apr 19, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Ryane Clowe (29) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at the First Niagara Center. Rangers beat the Sabres 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Devils are taking a big chance on the big winger, banking on a return to form of the power forward who was dominant in many areas 4 years ago. The last two years have been a trial and this is a big gamble for the Devils.

FORWARD

David Clarkson – Toronto Maple Leafs (7 years, $36.75M)

While the power forward was highly sought after, and many GMs would have overpaid for Clarkson, he will have a difficult time living up to the $5.25M cap hit. Add in the pressure of playing in his hometown with that contract and it spells disaster for a player who had one and a half top-end seasons.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

These players have also been set up for disappointment:

Nathan Horton – Columbus Blue Jackets (7 years, $37.1M) – You have to wonder about a player who seeks out anonymity. Horton has been a good supporting player but never has been cast well in the starring role.

Bryan Bickell – Chicago Blackhawks (4 years, $16M) Cashed in a good playoff run to become a highly paid individual. Questions on whether he can deliver that on a consistent basis will haunt him until he can prove it.

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