NHL

5 NHL Free Agent Signings Teams Would Like To Return

5 NHL Free Agent Signings Teams Would Like To Return

Matt Niskanen Washington Capitals
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The day after Christmas is the biggest day of the year with regards to returning gifts. In the NHL, there is no shortage of teams that would like to return some of the signings they made. Here are five free agent signing returns that certain teams would like to make.

5. John Scott, San Jose Sharks

John Scott San Jose Sharks
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

5. John Scott, San Jose Sharks

John Scott San Jose Sharks
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Scott was the most puzzling signing of the offseason and continues to show why. The Sharks wanted to get younger and quicker, and Scott obviously fits neither of those. Scott was brought in for a physical presence but has been poor when on the ice. In fact, Scott has crossed the physical line on multiple occasions as Scott has been suspended twice this season, including a four-game suspension earlier this week.

4. Dave Bolland, Florida Panthers

Dave Bolland Florida Panthers
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

4. Dave Bolland, Florida Panthers

Dave Bolland Florida Panthers
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Bolland, who signed a big five-year, .5 million deal with Florida, has just recently returned to action after missing an extended period of time with a groin injury. In just 11 games this season, Bolland has only three assists and has been a major disappointment the past few seasons. After posting consecutive career highs with 37 points in Chicago from 2010-2012, Bolland has scored only 29 points in just 69 games the past three seasons.

3. Ales Hemsky, Dallas Stars

Ales Hemsky Dallas Stars
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ales Hemsky, Dallas Stars

Ales Hemsky Dallas Stars copy
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Hemsky, who is known as a skilled scoring winger, hasn’t been able to get going for a struggling Dallas Stars team. Hemsky, who inked a three-year, million contract, has only 10 points in 30 games with the Stars. To make matters worse, Hemsky is a minus-13 this year, which is the second-worst number for Dallas.

2. Matt Niskanen, Washington Capitals

Matt Niskanen Washington Capitals
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

2. Matt Niskanen, Washington Capitals

Matt Niskanen Washington Capitals
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Niskanen, who cashed in on a strong playoff season with Pittsburgh last year, has been slow out of the gates after signing a massive seven-year, .25 million deal. Niskanen, known more for his offensive production, has two goals and eight assists through 34 games, but carries a minus-three rating. The Capitals might want a return if Niskanen doesn’t turn around his play.

1. Benoit Pouliot, Edmonton Oilers

Benoit Pouliot Edmonton Oilers
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Benoit Pouliot, Edmonton Oilers

Benoit Pouliot Edmonton Oilers
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Pouliot was another one to cash in on a playoff performance helping the New York Rangers reach the Stanley Cup Finals last year. This season, Pouliot has only three goals and five assists for a struggling Edmonton team that is currently last in the NHL and has only one win in their last 20 games. Pouliot signed a four-year, million contract and is currently out with a broken foot for an Oilers team that wished they spent the money elsewhere.

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