The Most Likely Destinations for 2015's Top 10 NHL Free Agents

Once the upcoming NHL draft (June 26-27) is completed, the focus of fans and pundits will shift toward the July 1 start of the league's free-agency period. Expect plenty of speculation leading up to that date over potential destinations of the best free-agent talent.

This summer's free-agent pool is a shallow one, lacking established top stars in their playing prime. Still, several quality goaltenders, defensemen and forwards should attract considerable interest from clubs that are seeking to bolster their depth.

The following slideshow will examine the likely destinations for 2015's top NHL unrestricted free agents. Age, previous contract, recent performance, roster needs and projected salary factored into this listing.

10. Carl Soderberg to the Arizona Coyotes

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Key factors: Boston Bruins center Carl Soderberg, 29, is completing a three-year contract worth an annual salary-cap hit of $1.008 million. In 82 games this season, he scored 13 goals and collected 31 assists for 44 points. 

Analysis: In his two-year NHL career, Soderberg has two 40-plus point seasons. He can play center or wing and is a smart playmaker. The Coyotes lack depth in skilled centers to complement their young forwards. With the lack of depth in this year's UFA market, Soderberg could be their best choice.

Projected new contract: Soderberg could get a three-year contract worth an annual cap hit of $3 million. The Coyotes are among the few teams with considerable cap space for next season and can afford this investment. 

9. Mike Ribeiro to the Nashville Predators

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Key factors: Nashville Predators center Mike Ribeiro, 35, is completing a one-year, $1.05 million contract. In 82 games this season, he scored 15 goals, 47 assists and 62 points. He also collected five points in six playoff games. 

Analysis: Ribeiro enjoyed a bounce-back performance with the Predators, posting his best numbers since 2011-12. He had tremendous chemistry with wingers Filip Forsberg and James Neal, finishing among Nashville's leading scorers. Predators general manager David Poile stated re-signing Ribeiro is among his priorities. 

Projected new contract: Ribeiro could receive a two-year contract worth an annual cap hit of $3.5 million. His age and intent to remain with the Predators will factor into this deal, as will his contract buyout from the Arizona Coyotes.

8. Justin Williams to the Washington Capitals

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Key factors: Los Angeles Kings right wing Justin Williams, 33, is completing a four-year contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $3.65 million. In 81 games this season, he scored 18 goals and added 23 assists for 41 points.

Analysis: Williams is a consistent offensive winger, reaching or exceeding 41 points in four of the past five seasons. The Capitals lack offensive depth at right wing. They also need someone with Stanley Cup experience to get them over the playoff hump. He could help them in both areas.

Projected new contract: Williams could receive a three-year deal worth $4 million per season. He turns 34 in October, which could factor into the contract term. However, his consistency and postseason success (including winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2014) should earn him that pay raise.

7. Matt Beleskey to the New Jersey Devils

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Key factors: Anaheim Ducks left wing Matt Beleskey, 27, is completing a two-year contract worth an annual salary-cap hit of $1.35 million. In 65 games this season, he scored 22 goals and 32 points. In 16 playoff games, he tallied eight goals and nine points. 

Analysis: Beleskey enjoyed a breakout performance this season. Given the lack of offensive stars in this summer's free-agent market, he could attract suitors who are willing to pay more for the late-blooming scorer. The Devils need younger forwards to bolster their anemic offense. Beleskey could be a good fit with first-line center Travis Zajac.

Projected new contract: Beleskey could receive a four-year deal with an annual cap hit of $4 million. His youth compared to the rest of this summer's free agents should work in his favor. The Devils are among the few clubs with lots of cap space for next season and could outbid other suitors for his services. 

6. Paul Martin to the Dallas Stars

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Key factors: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Paul Martin, 34, is completing a five-year contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $5 million. In 74 games this season, he collected 17 assists and 20 points, along with a plus/minus of plus-17. In five playoff games, he had two assists and a plus/minus of minus-three.

Analysis: Martin is a solid all-around defenseman who has put up consistent numbers in his NHL career. Though he'll bring another left-handed shot to the Stars' blue line, his experience and leadership could prove invaluable to their young defense corps. 

Projected new contract: Martin could receive a three-year contract worth an annual cap hit of $4.5 million. His age will likely factor into the deal's term and amount. Martin might accept that for an opportunity to join a promising team like the Stars. 

5. Andrej Sekera to the Colorado Avalanche

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Key factors: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Andrej Sekera, 29, is completing a four-year contract worth an annual salary-cap hit of $2.75 million. In 73 games split between the Kings and the Carolina Hurricanes, he had 20 assists and 23 points, with a plus/minus of minus-three.

Analysis: Sekera is a skilled two-way defenseman who's only a year removed from a career-best 44-point performance. The Avalanche need experienced blue-line depth. His skills could benefit their offensive game, while his defensive abilities could help them reduce their shot-against totals.

Projected new contract: Sekera could receive a four-year contract worth an average cap hit of $5 million. His all-around skills will justify doubling his salary. It will put a dent in the Avalanche's cap space, but it's necessary to properly bolster their defense. 

4. Antti Niemi to the Buffalo Sabres

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Key factors: San Jose Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi, 31, is completing a four-year contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $3.8 million. In 61 games this season, he had 31 wins, 23 losses and seven overtime losses. He also posted a 2.59 goals-against average, a .914 save percentage and five shutouts. 

Analysis: Of this summer's free-agent goalies, Niemi has the best record of consistency, posting 30-plus wins in four of the past five seasons. His career NHL goals-against average is 2.39, and his save percentage is .916. The Sabres lack experience and stability between the pipes. Niemi could be just what they need.

Projected new contract: Niemi could get a three-year contract with an annual cap hit of $4.5 million. The Sabres have plenty of cap space, and it would be wise to invest in a veteran netminder. Niemi's experience could be invaluable to the rebuilding Sabres.

3. Devan Dubnyk to the Minnesota Wild

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

Key factors: Minnesota Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk, 29, is completing a one-year, $800,000 contract. In 58 games split between the Wild and Arizona Coyotes, he had a record of 36 wins, 14 losses and four overtime losses. He also posted a 2.07 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage with six shutouts. 

Analysis: Dubnyk's playoff numbers weren't as stellar as his regular-season totals, but his Vezina and Masterton Trophy nominations will ensure he gets a lucrative new contract. He stabilized the Wild's goaltending, reversed their midseason slump and helped them clinch a playoff berth. TwinCities.com's Chad Graff reports contract talks between Dubnyk and the Wild are underway.

Projected new contract: Graff notes Dubnyk's desire to remain with the Wild. He could accept less than market value to do so, perhaps a four-year contract worth an annual cap hit of $4.75 million. Despite his solid play with the Wild, he's coming off several inconsistent seasons. That could affect the length and amount of his new deal.

2. Drew Stafford to the Winnipeg Jets

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Key factors: Winnipeg Jets right wing Drew Stafford, 29, is completing a four-year contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $4 million. In 76 games split between the Jets and Buffalo Sabres, he scored 18 goals and added 25 assists for 43 points. In four playoff games, he scored one goal and assisted on another. 

Analysis: Stafford tallied 19 of his 43 points in 26 games with the Jets. He meshed quickly into their lineup and played a key role in their reaching the playoffs. Management hopes to re-sign him. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports both sides are working on a contract extension. 

Projected new contract: Stafford could get a four-year contract worth an average annual cap hit of $5 million. He reached the 50-point plateau twice in his career, and the Jets could bet on him achieving those totals again.

1. Mike Green to the Edmonton Oilers

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Key factors: Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green, 29, is completing a three-year contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $6.083 million. In 72 games this season, he scored 10 goals and added 35 assists for 45 points, with a plus/minus of plus-15. In 14 playoff games, he had two assists with a plus/minus of minus-one. 

Analysis: Injuries have affected Green's production, and this season he dropped on the Capitals' blue-line depth chart. However, he still reached his highest points total in five years. The Oilers need a skilled, experienced puck-moving defenseman. A healthy Green could be a good fit, as his passing abilities could complement the Oilers' offensive attack.

Projected new contract: Green could get a four-year deal worth an annual cap hit of $5.5 million. The decline from his peak production years means he'll have to accept less money than his current deal. Still, the lack of depth in this summer's UFA market makes him the best available offensive blueliner.

Unless otherwise indicated, player and team stats and news via NHL.com. Salary and cap-payroll information via NHLNumbers.com.