One of the silliest things an NHL general manager can do during free agency is chase a big name just because he’s a big name in a weak free agent crop. That’s exactly what Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon did when he signed David Bolland to a five-year, $27.5 million contract prior to the 2014-15 season.
Bolland had a reputation as a leader and a winner from his days with the Chicago Blackhawks, but ultimately he was a bit player on a great team. The Toronto Maple Leafs took a failed gamble on him the previous season, trading three draft picks to the Blackhawks. Bolland ended up appearing in only 23 games. His stock wasn’t exactly high. Still, a weak free agent market for centers positioned him for a huge deal – and he got it from Florida.
Fast forward two years, and predictably Bolland’s contract has essentially been a paperweight. In two seasons he’s appeared in 78 games for the Panthers, scoring only seven times. The signing was Tallon’s worst move. Unsurprisingly, Florida doesn’t want anything to do with him just two years into a five-year contract. George Richards of the Miami Herald reports the team is expected to cut ties with him this offseason.
.@FlaPanthers Dave Bolland said to be in Toronto meeting with specialists; team expecting to cut ties w/ him this offseason.
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) April 26, 2016
Bolland’s contract is a cautionary tale in bad contracts. He didn’t deserve a mega deal and to the shock of nobody he didn’t live up to it. If a buyout happens, Bolland should find a home in the NHL in a bottom-six role, but his days of being counted on are long over.
