With all of the predictions and prognostications of the new NHL season there are bound to be some oversights and misjudgments. Players who aren’t performing well certainly aren’t trying to suck. They are having some bad luck, a rough patch personally or are having issues getting their timing adjusted to the short training camp.

At any rate, these are guys you should avoid at all costs. They aren’t bad people, and heck, they might even salvage their season. After all, we’re only about five games in and some might just be getting their skating legs underneath them.

Buyers beware and riverboat gamblers beware. Wheeling and dealing is fun, but make sure you do your homework. If someone is offering you a trade that seems too good to be true, chances are it probably is.

Now before you go crazy thinking that I’m slapping the loser tag on these guys understand that I’m labeling them a “bust” at this point in the season. Again, it’s still early, and their season can still be saved. If you’re feeling optimistic, you might be able to buy low on these guys if you think they might turn things around.

5. Paul Stastny-The Colorado center is a free agent in 30% of Yahoo leagues.  Zero goals, one assist and a minus-3 aren’t looking too good for the other 70% of Stastny owners.

4. Olli Jokinen-Winnipeg’s big free agent signing hasn’t produced as expected for the Jets. His numbers are identical to Stastny with Jokinen at a minus-2.

3. Mike Richards-He is still a solid faceoff man, but Mike Richards is still pointless after five games. He’s better than his stats say, or is he?

2. Nick Backstrom-The Washington Capitals’ top center has been a non factor during the Caps’ slow start. Backstrom should rebound because there is just too much talent for him not to.

1. Tyler Seguin-The Boston sniper was expected to do big things after lighting up the Swiss league during the lockout. So far, Seguin has been off the mark. One assist in four games is unexpected and disappointing. Look for the young center/winger to bounce back soon.