Feb 6, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing
David Clarkson(71) argues a call with referee Tom Kowal (32) during the third period at Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Maple Leafs 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
2. Don’t Overpay Due to a Weak Free Agent Market
It never fails. You can always count on an NHL team giving a third-line caliber player, like David Clarkson, big money due to a disappointing free agent market and one productive year.
This is where the aforementioned HERO charts can be invaluable. Take a look at David Clarkson this past season (via ownthepuck.blogspot.ca).
A guy that barely performs up to second or third line potential is carrying a $4.75 million cap hit. It’s very easy to see similar occurrences this offseason.
Let’s hope Rutherford uses his assets wisely and avoids that mess.