Ranking the 10 Most Underrated Free Agents in the 2015 NHL Offseason

Following the end of the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs in June, considerable focus will be placed upon this offseason's top restricted and unrestricted free agents. They will overshadow several lesser-skilled players who still possess some value. 

Most of this year's crop of underrated free agents are young players with potential for further improvement. The list also includes a pair of aging blueliners still capable of solid defensive play.

Here's a look at the 10 most underrated free agents (restricted and unrestricted) in this year's NHL offseason. Performance, age, skills, current contracts and player value factored into this ranking. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section.

10. Matt Calvert, Columbus Blue Jackets

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Performance: A concussion was among the reasons Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Matt Calvert played only 56 games this season. He still managed a career high in goals (13), while his 23 points was one shy of his personal best. He ranked among the Blue Jackets' leaders in takeaways.

Analysis: Though small by NHL standards, the 5'11”, 187-pound Calvert has considerable heart and energy. While lacking the offensive skills of teammates Ryan Johansen and Nick Foligno, the 25-year-old winger is an effective two-way player. Calvert's injury history, however, could affect his chances for a long-term contract extension.

Outlook: Calvert is completing a two-year contract worth an annual salary-cap hit of $988,000 and possesses arbitration rights. He could seek a lengthy new deal with the Jackets. If they avoid arbitration, Calvert could get a two- to three-year deal worth $2 million annually. 

9. J.T. Miller, New York Rangers

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Performance: In 58 regular-season games with the New York Rangers, Miller tallied 10 goals and 23 points. He ranked in their top 10 in game-winning goals and hits. In the 2015 playoffs, Miller is among their leaders in hits.

Analysis: After splitting most of his time between the Rangers and their farm team, Miller earned a permanent spot on the Blueshirts' checking lines this season. He's a versatile forward who can play center or wing. The 22-year-old still has plenty of upside and should remain a Ranger for the foreseeable future.

Outlook: Miller is completing a three-year, entry-level contract of base salary and bonuses totaling an annual cap hit of $1.419 million. Lacking arbitration rights, he'll likely receive a two-year bridge deal worth around $1.6 million annually.

8. Johnny Oduya, Chicago Blackhawks

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Performance: Defenseman Johnny Oduya was among the Chicago Blackhawks' leaders in time on ice per game and blocked shots during the regular season. In this year's playoffs, he leads the 'Hawks in blocked shots while ranking third in time on ice per game.

Analysis: At 33, Oduya is at the point in his career where his performance is declining. Still, his stats (particularly in the playoffs) indicate he remains a capable rearguard. His experience and defensive skills could make Oduya a good addition on teams lacking blue-line depth.

Outlook: Oduya is completing a three-year contract worth an annual salary-cap hit of $3.383 million. Given the Blackhawks' limited cap space, he's unlikely to be re-signed. He could prove an affordable pickup for another club on a one- or two-year deal worth $2 million annually.

7. Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Ottawa Senators

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Performance: After starting 2014-15 with the Senators' AHL farm team, Jean-Gabriel Pageau tallied 10 goals and 19 points in 50 regular-season games. He was among the Senators' leaders in hits during the regular season and playoffs. Pageau led Ottawa forwards during the playoffs in blocked shots and was second in faceoff percentage.

Analysis: Overshadowed by young stars Mark Stone, Mike Hoffman and Mika Zibanejad, the 5'9”, 175-pound Pageau's versatility and hard work made a positive impression upon management. The Ottawa Citizen's Wayne Scanlan reports general manager Bryan Murray praised the 22-year-old's heart and character.

Outlook: Scanlan reports Pageau, who's coming off a two-way contract, hopes to secure a one-way deal with the Senators. A two-year deal worth around $900,000 per season season seems likely.

6. Lance Bouma, Calgary Flames

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Performance: In his second NHL season, rugged Calgary Flames forward Lance Bouma reached career-high numbers in goals (16), assists (18) and points (34). He was the Flames' leader in hits and led all forwards in blocked shots.

Analysis: Though playing in the shadow of young stars Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, Bouma's physical style makes him a valuable part of the Flames lineup. His nine-game absence during the playoffs was keenly felt. Bouma's versatility and hardworking style provides invaluable grit to Calgary's roster.

Outlook: Bouma is a restricted free agent completing a one-year, $775,000 contract and has arbitration rights. The 25-year-old should prove an affordable re-signing for the Flames, perhaps on a two- or three-year deal worth $2 million annually.

5. Thomas Hickey, New York Islanders

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Performance: In 81 regular-season games, New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey tallied 22 points and was second in blocked shots. In the playoffs, the 26-year-old blueliner was tied for first in plus/minus, finished third in time on ice while remaining among their leaders in blocked shots.

Analysis: The addition of Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy plus the Isles' overall improvement overshadowed Hickey's performance. As injuries took a toll upon the Islanders' blue line in the playoffs, Hickey capably handled the additional workload and responsibilities.

Outlook: Hickey is coming off a two-year deal at an annual cap hit of $675,000 and has arbitration rights. He's only a year away from unrestricted free agency. Given his performance this season, he could re-sign on a two- or three-year deal worth $2.5 million per season.

4. Brenden Dillon, San Jose Sharks

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Performance: On Nov. 21, 2014, the San Jose Sharks acquired defenseman Brenden Dillon from the Dallas Stars. In 60 games with the Sharks, the 24-year-old collected 10 points while finishing third in hits and fourth in blocked shots.

Analysis: Playing in Dallas and San Jose, Dillon's play doesn't receive as much press as it would in a traditional hockey market. Acquired to provide more defensive grit to the Sharks' blue line, the 6'4”, 225-pound rearguard certainly delivered a physical punch. 

Outlook: Dillon is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights completing a one-year, $1.25 million deal. With only three years of NHL experience, Dillon has plenty of time to develop his game. His performance this season could earn him a three-year deal with the Sharks worth over $2.5 million annually. 

3. Jimmy Hayes, Florida Panthers

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Performance: Florida Panthers right wing Jimmy Hayes achieved personal bests in goals (19), assists (16) and points (35) this season. He was also among the Panthers' leaders in goals, power-play points, game-winning goals and hits.

Analysis: Though Jonathan Huberdeau, Aaron Ekblad and Nick Bjugstad garnered more headlines, the 6'6”, 221-pound Hayes showed potential this season as a power forward. If the 25-year-old winger can improve his offensive consistency, the Panthers could have a dangerous scoring threat on their hands.

Outlook: Hayes is a restricted free agent completing a one-year, $925,000 contract and has arbitration rights. His performance this season could fetch him a three-year deal worth $3 million annually. 

2. Francois Beauchemin, Anaheim Ducks

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Performance: During the regular season, defenseman Francois Beauchemin led the Anaheim Ducks in time on ice per game and ranked among their leaders in hits. He was also second in blocked shots, plus/minus and goals among defensemen. In the 2015 playoffs, Beauchemin leads the team in ice time and is among their leaders in hits and blocked shots.

Analysis: While the Ducks' talented young defensemen garner considerable attention, Beauchemin's experience and leadership remains beneficial. He's been a mentor for defense partner Hampus Lindholm. Though he turns 35 on June 4, Beauchemin is still an effective top-four NHL defenseman. 

Outlook: Coming off a three-year contract worth $3.5 million per season, Beauchemin is an unrestricted free agent. He'll likely want to finish his career with the Ducks. He might have to accept a modest pay cut on a two-year deal to stay in Anaheim. 

1. Michael Del Zotto, Philadelphia Flyers

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Performance: Signed by the Philadelphia Flyers as an unrestricted free agent last summer, Michael Del Zotto became their best all-around defenseman. He was second in points among Flyers blueliners and led them in goals. Del Zotto also ranked among their leaders in blocked shots, hits and time on ice per game.

Analysis: Having washed out with the New York Rangers and Nashville Predators, little was expected of Del Zotto when he joined the Flyers. The 24-year-old's impressive play at both ends of the ice likely saved his NHL career. He was among the few brights spots in an otherwise miserable season for the Flyers.

Outlook: Del Zotto is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who earned $1.3 million this season. On April 16, The Courier-Post's Dave Isaac reported Flyers general manager Ron Hextall is confident of re-signing the blueliner, though he has limited cap space. Del Zotto could get a two- or three-year offer worth over $2.5 million annually from the Flyers. 

All statistic via NHL.com. All salary information via NHLNumbers.com.