As much as we're used to NHL GM's handing out obscene contracts each and every summer, there is always at least one free agent signing that causes your jaw to drop and your face to take on the "WTF" expression. Somehow, some NHL GM makes us wonder how the hell he ever got hired to such a prestigious position.This summer's worst deal is one contract that is not understandable, justifiable, or practical: The Maple Leafs signing 28-year old journeyman defenseman Jeff Finger to a 4-year deal worth $3.5M per season.
Yes, Jeff Finger, a guy most fans and media types probably know little about, is going to make more cash than Henrik Zetterberg next season.
What made the Leafs think Finger was worth $3.5M per season? The fact that he has less than 100 games of NHL experience? The fact that he put up a whopping 19 points in 72 games last season? The fact that he averaged less than 20 minutes of ice time per game?
You know your team got pwned when the guy signing the deal makes this sort of quote:
"I was completely surprised, to be honest," Finger said of the staggering sum Toronto general manager Cliff Fletcher paid for his services on the opening day of the National Hockey League's annual summer shopping season for free agents. "It is twice as much as I ever imagined making."
Translation: "I can't believe these idiots want to pay me this much! Bahahaha!"
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-09-2008 @ 1:04AM
jibblescribbits said...
Not that I disagree that it's a bad contract (and I'm an Avs fan who is a huge Finger fan), but don't you have to play for more than 1 team (and over 100 games) to be considered a "journeyman"?
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