Ranking the Top 30 NHL Free Agents in 2015
Much like that inflatable pool in your backyard, the 2015 crop of free agents is shallow and unimpressive.
But just like that same pool, there are good times to be had as long as you lower your expectations.
Perhaps your team needs a second-line forward or a stay-at-home defenseman. Sure, that's not exciting and probably not worth refreshing Twitter over throughout July 1, the beginning of the free-agency period. But that can be the difference between winning and losing, making and missing the playoffs, taking home a championship or falling just short.
Nobody went all that crazy when Brad Richards signed a one-year deal with Chicago last year, but he was instrumental in the Blackhawks' third Stanley Cup in six years. Anton Stralman and Brian Boyle didn't make national headlines when they signed with Tampa Bay, but they helped get the Lightning to the Stanley Cup Final.
There's a chance a similar signing awaits this summer. Here's a look at the top 30 available unrestricted free agents set to hit the market. Rankings are based on production, age and the relative value they can provide.
Editor's Note: Devan Dubnyk and Carl Soderberg, Nos. 2 and 13 among our top 30, have already signed new contracts. That has been reflected.
30. David Booth
1 of 30
By the numbers: 30 years old, 7 goals, 13 points last season
Why he's an asset: David Booth played in only 59 contests last season, but he could draw some interest because of his talent when he is on his game. He hasn’t received a ton of ice time lately—he averaged 11:56 and 13:28 over his last two seasons, respectively—but he is a former 20- and 30-goal scorer.
What he's worth: $900K on a "show me" contract.
Likeliest landing spots: Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals
29. Daniel Winnik
2 of 30
By the numbers: 30 years old, 9 goals, 34 points last season
Why he's an asset: Daniel Winnik is a versatile two-way player who plays with grit. He is a decent bottom-six forward who can come relatively cheap and will chip in about 10 goals a season.
What he's worth: $2 million
Likeliest landing spots: Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Washington Capitals
28. Lee Stempniak
3 of 30
By the numbers: 32 years old, 15 goals, 28 points last season
Why he's an asset: Lee Stempniak is a journeyman winger who has a lot of game left. He was underutilized by the New York Rangers, with 18 points in 53 games. But he found life in Winnipeg, tallying six goals and four assists for 10 points in just 18 contests. He has an amazing shot, is a hard worker and a power-play specialist.
What he's worth: $1.5 million
Likeliest landing spots: Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders
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27. Curtis Glencross, Winger
4 of 30
By the numbers: 32 years old, 13 goals, 35 points last season
Why he's an asset: Curtis Glencross is a veteran two-way forward who can slot in as a third-line scoring winger but can move up to the second line in a pinch. He is an adept penalty-killer and is sound in his own end.
What he's worth: At this stage of his career, Glencross is probably worth $2.5 million, considering his skill set, but it is apparent he is starting to enter a decline.
Likeliest landing spots: Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes
26. Derek Roy, Center
5 of 30
By the numbers: 32 years old, 12 goals, 32 points last season
Why he's an asset: Derek Roy is a good middle-of-the-lineup center who is ideal on the third line but has the skill for the second line. He has tailed off from the success he had with the Buffalo Sabres but played well for a bad Edmonton Oilers team after getting buried by the Nashville Predators.
What he's worth: $2.5 million
Likeliest landing spots: Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes
25. Mike Santorelli, Center
6 of 30
By the numbers: 29 years old, 12 goals, 33 points last season
Why he's an asset: Mike Santorelli is a decent player who can slot in at all three forward positions and is an underrated playmaker. He was in demand by a few teams last summer, and the market could be interested in him this July with fewer quality players available.
What he's worth: $2 million
Likeliest landing spots: New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs
24. Jiri Tlusty, Winger
7 of 30
By the numbers: 27 years old, 14 goals, 31 points last season
Why he's an asset: Jiri Tlusty is a career third-line player who showed some brilliance during a lockout-shortened 2012-13 season. He tallied 23 goals and 38 points in 48 games, playing 18:15 a night. He is a center who can also play wing, and teams love versatility.
What he's worth: $2.5 million
Likeliest landing spots: Tlusty will head to a team looking for some bottom-six help, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him land with the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils or back with the Carolina Hurricanes after a bumpy stint in Winnipeg.
23. Michael Frolik, Winger
8 of 30
By the numbers: 27 years old, 19 goals, 42 points last season
Why he's an asset: Michael Frolik is coming off back-to-back 42-point seasons with the Winnipeg Jets and is primed to make some coin as a top-nine winger. He is a productive player when given ice time, as the link between time on ice and total points has been key.
What he's worth: A one-year deal worth $3.5 million would be a good rate, considering he’s pretty much a 35- to 40-point player.
Likeliest landing spots: Frolik will land somewhere that he has potential to be successful on both the second and/or third line. The New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks would provide that opportunity.
22. Shawn Matthias, Left Wing
9 of 30
By the numbers: 27 years old, 18 goals, 27 points last season
Why he's an asset: Shawn Matthias had a great year for the Canucks as a third-liner, and all but one of his goals came at even strength. He has good size at 6’4” and 223 pounds, plays a solid two-way game and skates well for his frame.
What he's worth: $2 million
Likeliest landing spots: Any team in need of a utility player who can skate on multiple lines will show interest in the veteran forward—primarily clubs such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers.
21. Michal Neuvirth, Goaltender
10 of 30
By the numbers: 27 years old, 7-20-4, 2.98 GAA/.914 save percentage last season
Why he's an asset: Michal Neuvirth has a career .912 save percentage, which is slightly below average. He won a championship in the AHL in 2009 and could be a starter, although he's been relegated to backup duty in recent years. He's probably best suited as a No. 2 but could be a starter for an extended stretch in case of injury.
What he's worth: It all depends on the role he finds. There aren't too many starting jobs available, but he could be a $3 million player in that situation. If he lands somewhere as a backup, he's probably looking at half of that on a one-year deal.
Likeliest landing spots: Edmonton, San Jose and Philadelphia are all teams in need of goaltenders. Neuvirth could re-sign with the Islanders if there are no jobs to his liking on the open market.
20. Matt Beleskey, Left Wing
11 of 30
By the numbers: 27 years old, 22 goals, 32 points last season
Why he's an asset: Matt Beleskey is a solid NHL player. Did he have a breakout year in 2014-15? Maybe—but more likely it was a fluke performance in a contract year. In his previous three seasons, Beleskey had 21 total goals in 167 games. His shooting percentage last season was 15.2, about five points higher than his career mark of 9.9.
What he's worth: There probably won't be a bigger disparity between a player's value and what he will get paid in free agency than with Beleskey. Anything more than $3 million per season is too much, but he could get between $4 million and $5 million from a team that doesn't know what it's doing.
Likeliest landing spots: The Arizona Coyotes need wingers and are way below the cap floor. Beleskey is a native of Ontario, so maybe the Ottawa Senators will make a run. The Leafs seem too smart to overpay here. It's hard to judge, considering the view of Beleskey will be wildly different from one team to the next.
19. Zbynek Michalek, Defenseman
12 of 30
By the numbers: 32 years old, 4 goals, 12 points last season
Why he's an asset: Zbynek Michalek is a stay-at-home defenseman, which is usually code for a slow blueliner who can't move the puck. But he posted a 51.2 Fenwick percentage and plus-1.8 relative Fenwick percentage in 68 games with the Coyotes and Blues last season. Michalek is a physical player who can help a team's penalty kill.
What he's worth: Michalek is coming off a five-year, $20 million contract and should get something in that vicinity this summer. Perhaps five years would be a lot, but a $4 million cap hit is right for him.
Likeliest landing spots: He shoots right and is not all that flashy, so he's almost destined to be an Oiler. Maybe he takes less money and becomes a bottom-pairing defenseman in Florida.
18. Martin St. Louis, Right Wing
13 of 30
By the numbers: 40 years old, 21 goals, 52 points last season
Why he's an asset: A future Hall of Famer—even if he's nearing the end of his career—Martin St. Louis still brings a lot to a team. He faded in a big way last season, mustering only four goals and 11 assists in his final 35 games (regular season and playoffs). Still, there are plenty of teams that could use a 20-goal campaign from St. Louis, which he can replicate next season.
What he's worth: At this stage of his career, anything more than $3 million on a one-year deal would be too much.
Likeliest landing spots: If St. Louis wants to stay close to New York, the Islanders and Devils could add him on a bargain contract. If that's not a priority for him, he'd look pretty good alongside Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh. Chances are St. Louis wants to play for a winner more than he wants one more big paycheck.
17. Christian Ehrhoff, Defenseman
14 of 30
By the numbers: 32 years old, 3 goals, 14 points last season
Why he's an asset: Christian Ehrhoff can create breakouts and possesses value on the power play. He hasn't played in the postseason since 2011 but has experience (73 games) from his time with the Sharks and Canucks. Ehrhoff is a complete defenseman who can play in all three phases and has great skating ability.
What he's worth: This is where it gets foggy. Ehrhoff would have played in the 2015 postseason if not for multiple concussions that cost him nearly half the season. After the Sabres bought him out last summer, Ehrhoff had to settle for a one-year, $4 million deal. He may have to do something similar this July.
Likeliest landing spots: The Oilers need defensive help, and new head coach Todd McLellan oversaw Ehrhoff in San Jose. The Avalanche will kick the tires on all decent left-shooting defensemen. If the Red Wings fail to land one of free agency's top right-shooting blueliners, they could make a pitch for Ehrhoff, too.
16. Francois Beauchemin, Defenseman
15 of 30
By the numbers: 35 years old, 11 goals, 23 points last season
Why he's an asset: Despite his age, Francois Beauchemin has shown no signs of decline and is coming off a career-best 11 goals last season. He brings size (6'1", 208 lbs) and decent skating ability. He can play on the power play and penalty kill. He can log big minutes and has 97 career playoff games under his belt, which is the best place to store postseason contests.
What he's worth: Two to three years at around $4 million per season is probably what lands Beauchemin.
Likeliest landing spots: The Ducks are still looking to re-sign him. He could stay out West with the Canucks, depending on how things shake out with their roster before free agency. The Avs and Stars are also looking for help on defense.
15. Johnny Oduya, Defenseman
16 of 30
By the numbers: 33 years old, 2 goals, 10 points last season
Why he's an asset: Johnny Oduya is probably the definition of a perfectly solid defenseman. He's OK at moving the puck, OK in his own zone and OK in terms of strength. He brings durability, having missed 12 games over the past four seasons. There's also Oduya's wealth of playoff experience, as he won two Cups with the Blackhawks and has 89 games of postseason experience.
What he's worth: The going rate for Oduya is probably close to $5 million per season for about four years.
Likeliest landing spots: Could Oduya return to New Jersey? The Devils could use a veteran presence along their blue line. Buffalo and Colorado also need assistance on defense.
14. Antoine Vermette, Center
17 of 30
By the numbers: 32 years old, 13 goals, 38 points last season
Why he's an asset: Antoine Vermette is a center who should be good for 15 to 20 goals for a few more seasons. He underwhelmed after arriving in Chicago at the trade deadline (zero goals in 19 games) but scored a few big goals in the playoffs on the way to a Stanley Cup.
What he's worth: As a center with some good years left, it all depends on how teams view him. If he's a No. 2 center, he could command nearly $5 million per season. If franchises look at him as a third-line center, it's probably in the $3.5-$4 million range. A three-year deal seems likely.
Likeliest landing spots: The Kings need a No. 3 center behind Jeff Carter and Anze Kopitar. The Leafs could use someone behind Tyler Bozak and Nazem Kadri (if both are there to start the season). If he liked Arizona, he could always take his Cup ring back there and accept a deal for more money.
13. Carl Soderberg, Colorado Avalanche
18 of 30
By the numbers: 29 years old, 13 goals, 44 points last season
Why he's an asset: Carl Soderberg is a quality two-way center with solid offensive acumen and playmaking abilities.
What he's worth: A five-year deal worth $23.75 million, $4.75 million average per season. Craig Custance of ESPN reported the details of Soderberg's contract and added that "the contract includes a full no-trade clause in the first two years of the deal and a limited no-trade clause in the final three seasons."
What he brings to the Colorado Avalanche: With the subtraction of Ryan O'Reilly via a trade with the Buffalo Sabres, there is a good chance Soderberg will slot in as the No. 3 center behind Matt Duchene and Nathan MacKinnon. If the Avs decide to move MacKinnon to right wing because of depth concerns, Soderberg will go to the second line, with Mikhail Grigorenko or John Mitchell likely moving to the third-line center spot.
12. Chris Stewart, Right Wing
19 of 30
By the numbers: 27 years old, 14 goals, 36 points last season
Why he's an asset: Chris Stewart brings size (6'2", 231 pounds) and scored 28 goals in consecutive seasons from 2009-10 to 2010-11. He hasn't touched those numbers since, though he's been good for close to 20 goals per season. He had just 14 in 2014-15 but spent most of the campaign with the Buffalo Sabres, which makes it difficult to judge his individual game.
What he's worth: Considering his decline and below-average numbers after the Wild acquired him at the trade deadline—three goals in 20 regular-season games, zero goals in eight postseason games—his worth is muddied. Stewart should find himself with about a $4 million cap hit for the next few seasons.
Likeliest landing spots: The Flames could use Stewart's big frame up front. The Islanders may be looking for a top-six right winger if they trade Kyle Okposo. The Devils need offensive help and will have room with right winger Ryane Clowe (concussion issues) on long-term injured reserve (LTIR).
11. Drew Stafford, Right Wing
20 of 30
By the numbers: 29 years old, 18 goals, 43 points last season
Why he's an asset: Drew Stafford is usually a lock for about 20 goals, although his numbers dipped slightly as the Sabres transformed from competitive a NHL team to a punching bag. He had nine goals in 26 games after the Jets acquired him last season in February. He's a legitimate top-six forward who could fly under the radar in free agency.
What he's worth: Much like a lot of players on this list, Stafford is about a $4 million man. Depending on who is doing the courting, he could be worth as much as $5 million and as little as $3 million. He's probably going to get a four- or five-year deal.
Likeliest landing spots: The Jets seem like they could bring him back, as they only have nine forwards under contract. The Flyers could make a push if they shed salary.
10. Antti Niemi, Dallas Stars
21 of 30
Updated by Dave Lozo, June 29, 4:54 p.m.: Niemi has signed with the Dallas Stars according to the team. The deal is worth $13.5 million for three years.
By the numbers: 31 years old, 31-23-7, 2.59 GAA, .914 save percentage last season
Why he's an asset: Antti Niemi is the only free-agent goaltender who boasts a Stanley Cup ring as a starter. He's won at least 30 games in every season since 2010-11 (he had 24 in the lockout-shortened 2013 season) and his .916 career save percentage is above the league average. He's proved he can be a workhorse.
What he's worth: A quick look around the league shows there aren't too many teams in the market for No. 1 goaltenders. Niemi's only competition for a job was Devan Dubnyk, and he already re-signed with the Wild. Niemi's value could be anywhere between $4 million and $5.5 million per season.
Likeliest landing spots: Dallas traded for Niemi on Day 2 of the NHL draft (seventh-round pick), but there's no guarantee he'll sign with the Stars. The Oilers need a goaltender, and Todd McLellan has seen Niemi up close for the past five seasons. If they opt to go cheap and pair Ben Scrivens with another younger goaltender, then Niemi may have to consider the rebuilding Sabres.
9. Mike Ribeiro, Center
22 of 30
By the numbers: 35 years old, 15 goals, 62 points last season
Why he's an asset: Mike Ribeiro is an elite playmaker and one of the bigger reasons why the Predators went from 19th to 14th in offense last season. It's not a huge jump but one that took the Predators from being also-rans to a playoff team. If your club has a goal scorer who needs a boost, dropping Ribeiro on his line could work wonders.
What he's worth: Now, the tricky part. Ribeiro is probably worth around $5 million per season and will very likely get that from the Predators or someone else. But with a sexual assault civil case hanging over him—one the Predators knew about before signing him last season—it's unknown how other teams would feel about that.
Likeliest landing spots: If the Blackhawks don't bring back Brad Richards and Antoine Vermette, Ribeiro could fill the No. 2 center role. The Panthers, Kings, Leafs, Flyers and Senators could make sense as well, depending on how some of those teams clear cap room.
8. Joel Ward, Right Wing
23 of 30
By the numbers: 34 years old, 19 goals, 34 points last season
Why he's an asset: Joel Ward is no spring chicken, but he's usually at his best during the spring. Poor writing aside, Ward has 35 points in 53 playoff games (0.66 PPG) and 220 points in 517 regular-season games (0.43 PPG). Ward is a big body (6'1", 226 lbs) with good hands and is a responsible two-way player. He could be a missing depth piece for a contender.
What he's worth: Three years and somewhere close to $4.5 million per season feels right, although he could take less to play with a better team.
Likeliest landing spots: The Predators are big fans of bringing back former players, and Ward played three seasons in Nashville. The Penguins are making it a priority to sign wingers. A deal with the Rangers, the team that has ended his season three times in four years, would be funny for fans and good for both sides.
7. Paul Martin, Defenseman
24 of 30
By the numbers: 34 years old, 3 goals, 20 points last season
Why he's an asset: The Penguins are looking to go younger on defense, and that means Paul Martin is on the market. He doesn't get much action on the power play but can help in that area on a new team that's not as loaded as Pittsburgh. He plays big minutes and can move the puck out of his own zone better than most his age. His skills have slipped, but not enough for teams to be wary of him.
What he's worth: Martin should expect to receive offers of at least $5 million per season for three or four years. There are teams out there desperate for defense, and they will overpay in a big way for Martin.
Likeliest landing spots: Martin would look good on the left side of the Avs' top pairing with fellow American Erik Johnson. The Sharks could use Martin on their second pairing behind Marc-Edouard Vlasic.
6. Brad Richards, Center
25 of 30
By the numbers: 35 years old, 12 goals, 37 points last season
Why he's an asset: Brad Richards' 37 points were his fewest in a non-lockout season during his career, but he raised his game in the postseason—as he tends to do—posting 14 points in 23 games. The biggest selling points for Richards are his 141 games of playoff experience and two Stanley Cups.
What he's worth: As a center, Richards has value. As a clutch performer, he has more value. But his diminishing regular-season returns make it tough to gauge his overall worth. He should see a bump from his $2 million deal with Chicago last summer.
Likeliest landing spots: A return to the Blackhawks can't be ruled out. The Kings and Ducks could use a No. 3 center. How about a reunion with the Lightning? Many of the league's top teams should kick the tires on Richards.
5. Andrej Sekera, Defenseman
26 of 30
By the numbers: 29 years old, 3 goals, 23 points last season
Why he's an asset: Andrej Sekera may be the best left-shooting defenseman on the market. His offensive numbers took a hit last season with a bad Carolina team, but he posted 11 goals and 44 points in 2013-14. Sekera turned 29 in June, which means there are still plenty of good years remaining in his legs.
What he's worth: Sekera's contract could be the one that has people scratching their heads on July 1. But he could very easily walk away with a deal in the neighborhood of five years and $25 million. It will be an overpayment like every UFA deal, but he can make a difference on the back end.
Likeliest landing spots: The Kings' suspension of Slava Voynov could be a sign they will make an effort to re-sign Sekera. The Avalanche will be in pursuit if the Kings and Sekera fail to reach an agreement.
4. Justin Williams, Right Wing
27 of 30
By the numbers: 33 years old, 18 goals, 41 points last season
Why he's an asset: Justin Williams brings playoff experience, a penchant for scoring big goals in the postseason and right around 20 goals in the regular season. At 33, his production could begin to decline, although a new team might benefit from Williams enjoying a full offseason of rest for the first time in five years.
What he's worth: With three Cup rings and his skill set, a short deal worth about $4 million per season sounds about right for Williams. If a contender with cap issues comes calling, Williams may consider a bargain deal if it puts him in position for a fourth Cup.
Likeliest landing spots: The Rangers could use a top-six right-winger. Maybe Williams would turn heel and go to Anaheim? Perhaps a return to Philadelphia? The smart money is on his landing with a team that has Cup aspirations.
3. Cody Franson, Defenseman
28 of 30
By the numbers: 27 years old, 7 goals, 36 points last season
Why he's an asset: Cody Franson has proved he can be a top-pairing defenseman and is capable of playing both phases of special teams. His time in Nashville didn't do wonders for his value—he had one goal and four points in 23 games and found himself sitting as a healthy scratch and playing limited minutes. But his age, versatility and right shot make him one of the big prizes in free agency.
What he's worth: Franson might be looking at a Matt Niskanen-type deal or something a little short of it. Last summer, after a career year, Niskanen received a seven-year, $40.25 million contract from Washington. Shave a season or two and a few bucks off that pact, and that's probably close to what Franson will get.
Likeliest landing spots: Detroit will be in the mix. Perhaps Columbus, too. Edmonton and Colorado could make a push as well. A slew of teams—contenders and rebuilders alike—covet Franson.
2. Devan Dubnyk, Minnesota Wild
29 of 30
By the numbers: 29 years old, 36-14-4, 2.07 GAA and .929 SV%
Why he's an asset: Devan Dubnyk is a quality netminder who had spent time on some bad Edmonton Oilers teams. In Minnesota he actually had a squad that understood what it meant to play defense and an offense that could support him with consistency.
What he's worth: A six-year deal worth $26 million, with a $4.33 million average annual value. Michael Russo of the Star Tribune reported the details of Dubnyk's pact, noting that he makes "He’ll get $5 million in each of the first four seasons, then $3.5 million and $2.5 million the last two seasons. ... The deal includes a limited no-trade clause during certain windows."
What he brings to the Minnesota Wild: Dubnyk gives the Wild the chance to win a Stanley Cup if the team continues to develop. The squad features a number of established, talented players like Mikko Koivu, Zach Parise and Jason Pominville, some youngsters like Mikael Granlund and Charlie Coyle, who are still developing, and a defense highlighted by Ryan Suter and Jonas Brodin.
1. Mike Green, Defenseman
30 of 30
By the numbers: 29 years old, 10 goals, 45 points last season
Why he's an asset: Mike Green is young by UFA standards. NHL general managers are slowly learning that defensemen who can move the puck out of their own zone are especially valuable, and Green fits that description. He's an offensive weapon, although his great possession numbers last season (52.5 Fenwick percentage) were in mostly sheltered minutes.
What he's worth: Throw in the fact that Green shoots right, and his value is probably along the lines of $5.5 million per season for about five or six years.
Likeliest landing spots: The Red Wings have been chasing a right-shooting defenseman like Green for what seems like ages. The Oilers should have an interest as well. Green will have no shortage of suitors.
Statistics courtesy of NHL.com and Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com. Contract information courtesy of Spotrac.
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