NHL Free Agents 2012: 3 Teams Guaranteed to Overpay for Offense

Even when the free-agent class isn't as strong as teams would like, the general managers looking for offense rarely shy away from overpaying players to increase their scoring depth.

We have seen this already with the contracts given to Jiri Hudler and Dennis Wideman, both of whom signed with the Calgary Flames.

Let's look at three teams likely to overpay for offense as free agency moves forward.

Florida Panthers

After losing defenseman Jason Garrison to the Vancouver Canucks in free agency, the Panthers have some work to do if they want to make the playoffs in back-to-back years.

Garrison's 16 goals from last year will be tough to replace on the blue line, so general manager Dale Tallon might look at adding a forward for some more offense. Alexander Semin would be a nice fit with the Panthers, but he might be too expensive for Florida.

Whether the Panthers target an offensive defenseman or a forward for more goalscoring, they must make some kind of move, because winning the division with a 2.4 goals-per-game average (27th in NHL) likely won't happen again.

Dallas Stars

UPDATE: Tuesday, July 3 at 5:59 p.m. ET

The Stars have reportedly signed Jaromir Jagr, according to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.

"

Hearing that Jaromir Jagr has agreed to one-year, $4.5-million deal with the Dallas Stars

— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) July 3, 2012"

--End Update--

The Stars finished the 2011-12 season ranked 22nd in scoring. Even though they already added Ray Whitney in free agency, Dallas might be looking too add even more offensive depth.

According to Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com, the Stars may be targeting a future Hall of Fame forward:

"

According to a source w/knowledge of proceedings, Jaromir Jagr isn't interested in going to Habs or Bruins. Talking w/Stars now #BruinsTalk

— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) July 3, 2012"

Jagr might not be the only veteran forward that Dallas has its eyes on. Team 1040 (via TSN's Darren Dreger) is reporting that Shane Doan is also on the Stars' radar:

"

As per @darrendreger expect the Dallas Stars to make a big push for Shane Doan, should the Coyotes fail in re-signing him.

— TEAM Radio (@TEAM1040) July 3, 2012"

Doan, 35, and Jagr, 40, are aging players who will not produce like top six forwards for much longer. Giving either player a multi-year deal and lots of money would be a risk not worth taking.

New York Islanders

Finding enough offense was difficult for the New York Islanders during the 2011-12 season, as evidenced by the fact that the team finished third-to-last in scoring.

One area that needs an offensive upgrade is the team's blue line. Free-agent defenseman Matt Carle would be a nice fit with the Islanders, but it's hard to imagine him signing with a non-contender like the Islanders if the Philadelphia Flyers want to re-sign him.

The signing of Brad Boyes was a smart one by Islanders general manager Garth Snow, but Boyes can't be the only notable forward signing for New York if they want to compete in 2012-13.

Follow @NicholasGoss35