NHL Free Agent Busts: The Early Edition

Is it too early to judge last summer's NHL free agent signings? Yes it is.

On the other hand, none of the new fat cats said anything about taking October off.

They're taking the money, so they can also take the flak.

Until they prove otherwise, these five guys are a waste of cash:

Jaroslav Spacek, defence, Canadiens
(3 years at $3.83 million per)
For that kind of money, shouldn't Spacek (pictured) generate a few points? Especially when Andrei Markov's injury opens so much quality ice time? By hastily signing Marc Andre Bergeron to bolster the power play, the Canadiens tell you all you need to know about Spacek's performance so far.

Mike Komisarek, defence, Maple Leafs
(5 years at $4.5 million per)
Nobody expected scoring, so his statistical donut after seven games is no surprise. But he's all over the place on the ice. And he makes more than anyone on the team except Phil Kessel.

Derek Morris, defence, Bruins
(1 year at $3.3 million)
He gets the benefit of the doubt for now, as the whole team is playing bad defence. But so far, Morris-and-Chara doesn't work as a number-one blue line combo.

Alex Tanguay, forward, Lightning
(1 year at $2.5 million)
One lonely assist to show for seven games on the top line with Vinny Lecavalier. As of Tuesday he was dropped to the third line. Tanguay's stats have nosedived since 2006-07. He's playing his way out of the league.

Donald Brashear, forward, Rangers
(2 years at $1.4 million per)
Averaging just seven minutes of ice time per game, he's still managed to go minus-3 on the highest scoring team in the NHL. And they're paying him more than their second-leading scorer, Vaclav Prospal.

(Photo: Claus Andersen/Getty Images)