Unrestricted Free Agents That Could Help the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2015-16

While the Toronto Maple Leafs are likely to be two or three seasons away from returning to competitiveness, the club should still be interested in some younger, talented free agents.

The crop of unrestricted free agents is not particularly strong in 2015, but there are some depth players who could improve the team immediately.

There are holes throughout the Toronto roster, with netminding, arguably, the only spot where the team is relatively solid at the NHL level.

Let's take a look at some unrestricted free agents that should be of interest to the Leafs this offseason.

Michael Frolik, Winger, Winnipeg Jets

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Michael Frolik is a veteran player who could fit in well in a possession system under Mike Babcock. He's a heady player who earned 42 points with the Jets this season.

Frolik didn't have a great playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks, as he didn't score. However, his game is likely better-suited to the Eastern Conference that doesn't have the same massive teams that exist in the Western Conference.

The Czech Republic native is entering the prime of his career, as he turned 27 in February. The former first-round pick is a middle-six winger who could give the Leafs a dependable, two-way player.

Expect Frolik to be signed for about $3.5 million per season. If he hits the open market the Leafs should consider him, without question.

Carl Soderberg, Centre, Boston Bruins

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The Maple Leafs are in desperate need of another NHL-calibre centre. With the Boston Bruins in salary-cap hell, teams should be able to take advantage of this over the summer.

Carl Soderberg is a versatile centre who should have a handful of productive seasons ahead of him. Mike Babcock likes players with above-average hockey sense who continually make the smart, simple play. The talented Swede fits that bill.

Soderberg has 94 points in 161 NHL games. This followed a long and productive career in Sweden. Standing 6'3" and well over 200 pounds, Soderberg would be perfect for playing tough minutes against opposing teams' top centres and chipping in with timely points.

Soderberg might be signed in the $2.5 million range if he hits free agency. He deserves a long look from the Leafs.

Cody Franson, Defenceman, Nashville Predators

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Cody Franson's return to Nashville was not good. Some players simply don't fit with some organizations, and it appears that's the case with Franson and the Music City.

A return to Toronto would make good sense. Franson provides good size in standing 6'5" and over 200 pounds. He can play 20-plus minutes and was one of the Leafs' top point producers from the back end during his tenure.

The Leafs have to upgrade the defence, and Franson would easily slot into second-pairing duty. Franson is a puck-possession player who can make good outlet passes and create turnovers in the defensive zone. His style of play would be well suited to Babcock's brand of hockey.

Franson is only 27 years old and could be an important part of the Leafs' future on defence.

Jeff Petry, Defenceman, Montreal

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Jeff Petry is not a No. 1 defender at the NHL level, but he would be a top-pairing defender in Toronto. Paired with another talented, mobile blueliner, Petry could provide big minutes.

He's capable of playing against elite NHL talent. He's not overly physical and in many ways is better-suited to the Eastern Conference which features smaller, quicker teams than the stacked Western Conference.

Petry is an exceptional skater with an underrated offensive game. He looked excellent with the Montreal Canadiens alongside some talented defenders after he was traded there in early 2015. He was the Edmonton Oilers best defender for the past three or four seasons despite being shipped out by former GM Craig MacTavish.

Petry is likely to receive a raise, but $3.5 million per season might be enough to sign the American defender. He would flourish in a possession-style game under Babcock.

All stats can be found on NHL.com unless noted otherwise.