Four bad re-signings in the off-season; second line centers worth 4.7 million?

   After 52 career NHL games, the Ottawa Senators rewarded defenseman Patrick Wiercioch with a three year, $6 million contract. When I seen this I asked myself out loud what are they doing?  Is he on the verge of a breakout year and you must sign in to a longer term deal. No way shape or form; his he destined to be a top four defenseman? Last time I checked he was fighting with Andre Beniot for the six-seventh spot on the blueline last year.

Second line centers worth 4.7 million a year?

   No disrespect intended, but are we getting to a point in the NHL where a second line center at best is worth 4.7 million or more a year?

   Bryan Little has inked a five year contract worth 4.7 million per year. In his seven year career, the former 100 point OHLer, has a career high 31 goals in 2008-09, the same year he had a career best 51 points. Those numbers are ok if you`re a number two centerman, but far from a number one centerman. The contract is nearly impossible to move, if they wish to do so.

   I butchered Sam Gagner is a previous blog http://corbyshockeycentral.blogspot.ca/2013/07/gagner-wanting-more-than-hes-worth-and.html; after he was asking for 5.5 million is salary arbitration. The very next day the Oilers inked him to a 3 year, 14.4 million contract, worth 4.8 million over three years. Because of the top end talent in Edmonton, Gagner has no chance of becoming their number one centerman. Has failed every year to score 20 or more goals, and has never gotten more 47 points in one season. Like president of the Edmonton Oilers Kevin Lowe, current general manager Craig Mactavish is well on his way to becoming a horrible general manager.  After failing to trade Gagner for the past year they reward with a stupid contract, one that he cannot live up to.

Low budget team overpay

    Bottom six forward Nick Spalding has avoided salary arbitration with the Nashville Predators, signing a one year, 1.5 million dollar contract. In 2011-12 he scored a career high 10 goals and 22 points. Spalding might be able to score 12-15 goals, but will never be an effective top six forward. Nashville is team that must watch every dollar they spend, kind of surprising but not shocking.