Potential 2015-16 Free-Agent Signings for the Toronto Maple Leafs

Looking ahead to the 2015-16 season is one way Toronto Maple Leafs fans can keep from getting too depressed about what has been a dismal NHL season. With as many as five other Canadian teams possibly heading to the playoffs this year, it's going to be tough to swallow for battered yet resilient Leafs fans.

There are some talented young players such as Morgan Rielly and William Nylander in the organization now, but there are going to be a lot of roster changes prior to next fall.

The team is likely to jettison some veteran players before the 2015-16 season in an attempt to retool a roster that quite simply has not been nearly good enough for several seasons.

The team has to focus on players who will help the club while not breaking the bank. There are no quick fixes here. Let's take a look at a handful of potential unrestricted free agents the Leafs should be looking at this summer. 

Devan Dubnyk, Goaltender, Minnesota Wild

Jim Mone/Associated Press

If you've been following the NHL, even on a casual basis this season, you'll know that Devan Dubnyk has had an incredible season for the Minnesota Wild.

The former Edmonton Oilers draft pick and starter has resuscitated a career that was on life support, at least at the NHL level. Dubnyk is a highly intelligent player who is a former CHL Scholastic Player of the Year from 2004. He would have considered the mental, emotional and physical elements of his game when things weren't going well.  

With the aid of some goaltending coaching, a good system in Minnesota and hard work, it's clear that Dubnyk has turned his game around in a huge way. He's put up a .937 save percentage in Minnesota along with 23 wins in 31 appearances. His goals-against average of 1.74 since joining the Wild is superb.

The Leafs would have to make a decision in regard to keeping James Reimer or Jonathan Bernier, but bringing Dubnyk in could prove to be an upgrade for a number of years since he's still in his prime at 28 years old.

Cody Franson, Defenceman, Nashville Predators

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

While it might seem strange to have Cody Franson on the list, there's absolutely no reason why he should be excluded from consideration.

Franson had several productive years in Toronto, and he's doing the same thing right now with the Nashville Predators. He's proved he can return to a former team and have success.

With the prospect of losing Dion Phaneuf to a trade this summer, the Leafs will need to have some veterans in the fold. Franson would serve well here and help develop Morgan Rielly into the No. 1 defender he seems destined to be.

Franson has a career-high 35 points this season. Expecting 30-plus points from him for the next four or five seasons is not unreasonable. He also brings great mobility and an ability to play in all situations.

Michael Frolik, Right Wing, Winnipeg Jets

LM Otero/Associated Press

Michael Frolik is due to be an unrestricted free agent this summer and could be an attractive pickup for the Maple Leafs this summer.

At 6'1", 200 pounds, Frolik would be a very good depth forward who has been reasonably productive in his NHL career. He has 232 points in 503 career regular-season games along with 18 points in 34 playoff games.

Since the 2010-11 season, Frolik has also been well above 50 percent in Corsi percentage. He's a good possession player who is able to help tilt the ice in his team's favour.

The Czech Republic native should be under consideration if he doesn't re-sign with the Winnipeg Jets. He's entering his prime years and could be an important piece for the Leafs.

Matt Beleskey, Left Wing, Anaheim Ducks

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

Matt Beleskey would be another depth forward who could provide solid minutes for the Leafs next season. The former Belleville Bulls standout has 110 points in 334 career games.

His Corsi numbers aren't great over his entire career, but his 53.8 percentage is strong in 2014-15.

With 21 goals in 60 games this year, it remains to be seen if this is a career year for the pending unrestricted free agent or if he's become a potential top-six forward.

If the Anaheim Ducks can't retain him, the Leafs should be in pursuit of the Windsor, Ontario, native.

All regular stats can be found on HockeyDB.com or NHL.com. Advanced stats are from Puckalytics.com.