2015 NHL Free Agents Increasing Their Value This Season

The 2015 NHL free-agent list is not a strong one in historic terms. There are very few marquee names who are productive and in their prime seasons, so it's an opportunity for lesser players to impress general managers.

The group of players who are filling important roles and flourishing this year is significant. These men are going to get paid in the summer, especially if they can sustain current performance levels.

Here are 10 players in their free-agent year who are improving their stock with their play this season.

10. Jeff Petry, D, Edmonton Oilers

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What Is He Doing This Year? Jeff Petry has been performing well for a losing team. The Edmonton Oilers rely heavily on Petry, who has the best possession numbers among defenders on the team.

Will He Reach Free Agency? The Oilers made a tactical error in the summer, allowing Petry to sign a one-year deal and reach free agency in his prime. It will be very difficult for the Oilers to sign Petry before he tests the market.

Will He Deliver Full Value in Free Agency? Jeff Petry is an underrated player and should deliver on his free-agent contract. He is a hidden gem because his performance is obscured by the poor team results in Edmonton. He gets the toughest zone starts among defensemen on the team and gets those possession numbers against mid-level competition.

9. Matt Beleskey, LW, Anaheim Ducks

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What Is He Doing This Year? Matt Beleskey of the Anaheim Ducks is among the NHL's best scorers this season. This is easily the best year of his career.

Will He Reach Free Agency? The Ducks have plenty of room under the cap but it probably depends on the ask from Beleskey's side.

Will He Deliver Full Value in Free Agency? Beleskey might be the most dangerous free-agent name for general managers. Much of his success has to do with his centermen—Ryan Kesler and Ryan Getzlaf. He's 26 and the 15 goals he has scored this season already represent a career high. Teams signing him in the summer expecting 30 goals a year will very likely be disappointed.

8. Antti Niemi, G, San Jose Sharks

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What Is He Doing This Year? Antti Niemi is playing well and winning games for the San Jose Sharks this season.

Will He Reach Free Agency? The Sharks have emerging options in Alex Stalock and Troy Grosenick and may go a younger route as they continue a soft rebuild. There's even a chance Niemi is dealt by the deadline, although San Jose's success likely means the team will keep their veterans for another playoff run.

Will He Deliver Full Value in Free Agency? Niemi should be a solid free-agent bet for NHL teams. At 31 there should be more miles ahead for his career. He is not an elite-level goaltender but has a track record of success, something NHL general managers value.

7. Andrej Sekera, D, Carolina Hurricanes

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What Is He Doing This Year? Andrej Sekera of the Carolina Hurricanes is a quality NHL defenseman. He's having a good season on a bad team in 2014-15.

Will He Reach Free Agency? The Hurricanes have cap room but losing teams often have trouble signing their free agents. It's likely Sekera will at least test the free-agent waters before settling on Carolina.

Will He Deliver Full Value in Free Agency? Sekera is a wonderful player and will be a solid addition to any team. He gets no zone-start push and plays against the toughest competition available. He'll be a much sought-after player if he reaches free agency.

6. Johnny Boychuk, D, New York Islanders

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What Is He Doing This Year? Johnny Boychuk of the New York Islanders is giving a young, emerging team a reliable defenseman. Paired most often with Nick Leddy, the duo has been exceptional this year.

Will He Reach Free Agency? In October, The Fourth Period ran a story quoting Boychuk—via WEEI Radio 93.7FM in Boston—being open to a new deal. It's plausible the Islanders would try to get his name on a contract based on his impact on the organization.

Will He Deliver Full Value in Free Agency? Boychuk is being used in a specific way and it may be increasing his price beyond actual value. New York is giving Boychuk and Leddy a zone-start push and they are facing mid-level opposition. Boychuk's success isn't coming against the toughest opponents and he is being put in a position to succeed. If a NHL team can afford to pay big money for him, and can play him in the same situation, Boychuk should succeed next year at similar levels. There's every chance a team will sign him as a shutdown defender and could be disappointed in him.

5. Cody Franson, D, Toronto Maple Leafs

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What Is He Doing This Year? Cody Franson is enjoying a strong offensive season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. On a team that boasts significant offense from their defenders, Franson leads the way.

Will He Reach Free Agency? Toronto is in a pretty good cap situation entering the summer, with Nazem Kadri and Franson being the main players to sign. The club does have many offensive-minded defensemen so they may decide to go another direction.

Will He Deliver Full Value in Free Agency? Franson would be a fascinating free agent in 2015 and could be a home run. His offense is considerable and teams are always on the lookout for that kind of player. There's also some evidence Toronto is using Franson in a curious way, which could lead to a breakout season with a new team. Franson faces softer competition but doesn't get a zone-start push—another team might put him in more offensive situations.

4. Nick Foligno, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets

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What Is He Doing This Year? Nick Foligno is enjoying a career season in the free-agent year of his contract. It's a perfect storm for the player—not so much for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Will He Reach Free Agency? Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun discussed the issue of signing Foligno in a mid-December article. The contract will be severe and there's a chance the Blue Jackets decide to trade the player before the deadline.

Will He Deliver Full Value in Free Agency? Foligno is a very risky free-agent option. He is 27 years old and has never scored 20 goals in a NHL season. He's currently on pace for over 30 goals, owing a great deal to playing with Ryan Johansen. 

3. Justin Williams, RW, Los Angeles Kings

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What Is He Doing This Year? Justin Williams of the Los Angeles Kings continues an impressive career. His two-way play and veteran savvy are key elements in the team's success.

Will He Reach Free Agency? The Kings are a veteran team with cap issues but Williams isn't an expensive player. The issue for him may be age and Los Angeles does have younger options.

Will He Deliver Full Value in Free Agency? He should deliver depending on price. Williams will be a very attractive free agent if he isn't signed. A team looking for a two-way winger and a mentor for their youngsters will see him as a major addition.

2. Mike Ribeiro, C, Nashville Predators

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What Is He Doing This Year? Mike Ribeiro is enjoying a terrific season with the Nashville Predators. His even-strength scoring and impressive work with Filip Forsberg and James Neal is a key to the team's success.

Will He Reach Free Agency? The Predators got a real bargain in Ribeiro last summer but will pay in full to get him long term. The team has the room but there's a chance the two sides won't be able to agree on a contract.

Will He Deliver Full Value in Free Agency? Ribeiro is a solid free-agent bet. He was not a fit last year with the Arizona Coyotes but has returned to the top-quality performance he's known for this season.

1. Carl Soderberg, C, Boston Bruins

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What Is He Doing This Year? Carl Soderberg of the Boston Bruins is enjoying a fine season and is one of the team's best forwards.

Will He Reach Free Agency? Soderberg is a very special case. He didn't come over to the NHL until later in his career so will be eligible for free agency after his second full season. Boston may be able to sign him but the increase in salary will be exceptional and they have cap issues.

Will He Deliver Full Value in Free Agency? Soderberg may end up being the most attractive free agent this summer. He's in the prime of his career, an established player and he has a wide range of skills. This is a very difficult spot for the Bruins and teams will be happy to take advantage in the summer.