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The NHL’s top 10 “free agent flops,” according to The Hockey News

Toronto Maple Leafs v Buffalo Sabres

BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Ville Leino #23 of the Buffalo Sabres skates in warm-ups prior to play against the Toronto Maple Leafs at First Niagara Center on September 24, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

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It might be a bit early for something like this; however, since we all like lists, and we all like pointing out the failings of others even more, this list of the top 10 “free agent flops”, courtesy Adam Proteau of The Hockey News, is worth a read.

Proteau’s number-one UFA flop is no surprise – Buffalo’s Ville Leino.

Sabres owner Terry Pegula was one of the most aggressive players in unrestricted free agency, but it appears he and GM Darcy Regier were overly aggressive in signing the 28-year-old Leino to a six-year, $27-million deal. In return, Leino has flopped badly to begin his Buffalo career, with just two goals and four points in 17 games. That’s a nine-goal, 18-point pace – and at $4.5 million this season, that’s also incredibly awful.

Can’t say I have a serious problem with any of the 10 choices, though I’m not sure anyone expected much of Marty Reasoner (No. 10) when he signed with the Islanders.

I might’ve switched Reasoner for Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks defenseman has had a frustrating start to the season after signing a five-year, $23-million deal in June.

Ed Jovanovski deserves a mention, too. Florida signed the veteran blueliner to a four-year, $16.5-million deal on July 1 and hasn’t received much of a return on its investment.

If Steve Montador hadn’t scored twice for the Blackhawks on Sunday, he’d be another candidate.