NHL Free Agents 2015: Ranking the Top 10 Players 25 Years and Under

When the NHL's free-agent period kicks off on July 1, much of the focus will be upon the possible destinations for the top unrestricted free agents. Given the lack of depth in this summer's unrestricted free-agent market, the status of the top restricted free agents is garnering considerable interest.

A number of this summer's notable restricted free agents are 25 or younger. Some, such as St. Louis' Vladimir Tarasenko and Boston's Dougie Hamilton, are budding superstars. All of them are invaluable to their respective teams. A few could even receive offer sheets from rival clubs desperate to bolster their lineups.

The following slideshow ranks the top 10 NHL free agents who are 25 years and under, along with 10 honorable mentions. Their strengths, weaknesses, overall performance and projected new contracts factored into this ranking.

Honorable Mention

Bruce Kluckhohn/Getty Images

Jakob Silfverberg, Anaheim Ducks. Hampered by injury last season, Silfverberg (24) had a decent 2014-15 with 39 points. His 18 points in this year's playoffs could herald a breakout in '15-16.

Mikkel Boedker, Arizona Coyotes. Boedker, 25, was leading the Coyotes in points when sidelined by season-ending spleen surgery. He tallied 51 points last season and could be poised for much more. 

Gustav Nyquist, Detroit Red Wings. A two-time 25-plus goal scorer, the 25-year-old Nyquist could take on more of the offensive load next season from aging Wings Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. 

Martin Jones, Los Angeles Kings. Jones' numbers were down from his impressive debut in 2013-14. He has starter potential but will spend another season backing up Jonathan Quick. 

Mikael Granlund, Minnesota Wild. Injuries have limited the 23-year-old Granlund's development into a top center. The skilled playmaker rises to the occasion in the playoffs. 

Brock Nelson, New York Islanders. In only his second NHL season, the 23-year-old Nelson scored 20 goals and collected 42 points. He's quickly become an invaluable part of the Islanders roster. 

Mika Zibanejad, Ottawa Senators. Zibanejad enjoyed a breakout performance in his third NHL season, netting 46 points. The 22-year-old could be poised for bigger and better things. 

Mike Hoffman, Ottawa Senators. Hoffman, 25, led all NHL rookies this season with 27 goals. Part of the Senators' promising core of forwards, he could develop into a dangerous goal scorer. 

Jake Allen, St. Louis Blues. The 24-year-old Allen put up solid goaltending numbers this season. He appears ready to take over as the Blues' full-time starter next season. 

Evgeni Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals. After a slow start to his first full NHL season, the 23-year-old Kuznetsov consistently improved. He was a standout for the Capitals in this year's playoffs.

10. Alex Galchenyuk, Montreal Canadiens

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Strengths: Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk has steadily improved over his three NHL seasons. The 21-year-old is a natural playmaker and possesses good offensive instincts. His 46 points this season ranked among the Canadiens' top 10 scorers. Galchenyuk can play center or on the wing.

Weaknesses: Galchenyuk can sometimes go into lengthy scoring droughts. Though he's worked on his defensive game, there's room for improvement. He has yet to prove he can move into the second-line center role on a full-time basis.

Outlook: Galchenyuk is coming off an entry-level contract without arbitration rights. He earned a base salary of $925,000 per season. Given the Canadiens are squeezed for cap space, Galchenyuk could receive a two-year bridge deal worth around $2.5 million per season.

9. Mark Stone, Ottawa Senators

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Strengths: Ottawa Senators right wing Mark Stone tied for the NHL rookie scoring lead with 64 points, earning a nomination for the Calder Trophy. The 23-year-old has solid offensive skills and a knack for clutch scoring, tying for the team lead in game-winning goals. He possesses a strong, accurate shot and was among this season's leaders in takeaways.

Weaknesses: Stone has worked on his skating style, but there's still room for improvement. Despite his 6'2”, 205-pound frame, he's not a very physical player. It's possible Stone could struggle through a sophomore slump next season. 

Outlook: Stone is coming off a three-year entry-level deal and lacks arbitration rights. As the Senators tend to be a budget team, he will likely receive a two-year bridge deal worth around $2.5 million annually. Stone will have to prove himself as a reliable scorer before the Sens invest in him long term. 

8. Jonathan Huberdeau, Florida Panthers

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

Strengths: Florida Panthers left wing Jonathan Huberdeau has terrific offensive skills and instincts. He led the Panthers in points this season with 54 and won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2013. He can also play center if needed. Huberdeau meshed well late last season on a line with Jaromir Jagr and Aleksander Barkov. 

Weaknesses: At 6'1” and 188 pounds, the 22-year-old Huberdeau could use a little more poundage to help him overcome bigger opponents. After his solid rookie season, he slumped in his sophomore campaign. Huberdeau must improve his offensive consistency and his defensive play. 

Outlook: Huberdeau is completing an entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. While he's shown considerable promise early in his NHL career, the Panthers might be cautious of investing too much, too soon in him. Huberdeau could receive a two- or three-year deal worth around $3.75 million per season. 

7. Tyler Toffoli, Los Angeles Kings

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Strengths: Los Angeles Kings forward Tyler Toffoli has made constant improvement over his three NHL seasons. The 23-year-old's 49 points ranked third among Kings scorers this season. He's a skilled two-way player who led the league in shorthanded goals. Toffoli can play center or wing and possesses a strong shot.

Weaknesses: Toffoli tends to be a streaky scorer. He's not very physical and can still improve his defensive game. He's seen more time on the wing than at center, so he's not strong in the faceoff circle. Toffoli doesn't average as much ice time as other Kings forwards.

Outlook: Toffoli is coming off an entry-level deal without arbitration rights. Linemate Tanner Pearson agreed to a two-year deal worth an average cap hit of $1.4 million. Toffoli, however, posted better numbers over the past two seasons. Even if he agrees to accept a two-year deal, it'll be for more money, perhaps over $3 million annually. 

6. Nazem Kadri, Toronto Maple Leafs

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

Strengths: Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri is a swift-skating, creative forward who can play all three forward positions. The 24-year-old has finished among the Leafs' top five scorers in each of the last three seasons. Kadri's also willing to play a physical style.

Weaknesses: Kadri can go into lengthy scoring droughts. He has struggled the past two seasons with the pressure of playing up to expectations in Toronto. Kadri's also demonstrated a lack of maturity and is prone to undisciplined play. 

Outlook: Kadri is completing a two-year contract worth an average cap hit of $2.9 million. The Maple Leafs are currently in a rebuilding mode and must decide if Kadri has a long-term future in Toronto. He could receive a three- or four-year deal worth $4 million per season.

5. Dougie Hamilton, Boston Bruins

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

Strengths: Only 22, Boston Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton is blossoming into a poised, reliable top-two blueliner. He tallied 42 points in 72 games this season and is becoming a more physical player. The 6'5”, 212-pound Hamilton could be the heir apparent to aging Bruins captain Zdeno Chara.

Weaknesses: Despite his skills, experience remains an issue. Hamilton has only three NHL seasons under his belt. He could find it difficult adjusting to bigger expectations and a larger role. Hamilton must also improve his defensive game and use his big frame more to his advantage.

Outlook: Hamilton's coming off an entry-level deal and lacks arbitration rights. The Bruins possess limited cap space and could try to re-sign him to an affordable two-year bridge deal. Hamilton could also be targeted for a lucrative long-term offer sheet worth perhaps $6 million per season. If so, expect the Bruins to match it.

4. Brandon Saad, Chicago Blackhawks

Kamil Krzaczynski/Associated Press

Strengths: Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad, 22, has rapidly developed into one of their leading scorers. He possesses terrific offensive skills and is a strong skater. Saad's made steady improvement in each of his three NHL seasons. He's also proved to be a reliable playoff performer in a short period of time.

Weaknesses: Saad isn't a particularly physical forward. His defensive game has improved, but it could still use some work. Though he's developed well to date, he could struggle with heightened expectations to elevate his play.

Outlook: Saad is completing an entry-level contract without arbitration rights. The Blackhawks are pressed for cap space and could try re-signing him to a two-year bridge deal worth $3 million annually. Saad could also be targeted for an offer sheet, possibly pushing his new salary much higher. 

3. Derek Stepan, New York Rangers

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Strengths: New York Rangers center Derek Stepan is a skilled and durable two-way playmaker. After missing the start of this season with a broken leg, he collected 55 points in 68 games. Stepan, 25, can also play all three forward positions. He's tallied 44 points or more in each of his five NHL seasons.

Weaknesses: Stepan isn't a particularly fast skater. He can sometimes be too much of a pass-first player. His offensive play at times can get streaky. He's not strong in the faceoff circle. 

Outlook: Given his versatility, two-way play and durability, Stepan has become an invaluable part of the Rangers lineup. He's completing a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of $3.075 million. The Blueshirts will likely double his money on a seven-year deal. 

2. Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Strengths: In only his third NHL season, St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko has emerged as a superstar. The 23-year-old led the Blues offensively and finished among the league's top 10 scorers. He's a strong skater, protects the puck well and is a very creative goal scorer. He's also a reliable postseason performer.

Weaknesses: Tarasenko has an injury history, which hampered his performance in his first two seasons. He also must improve his defensive game. Tarasenko tends to be a shoot-first player and should work on his playmaking skills. 

Outlook: Tarasenko is fast becoming the face of the Blues franchise. Though he's coming off an entry-level contract and lacks arbitration skills, it's unlikely he'll get a short-term bridge contract. A seven-year deal worth over $6 million per season could be in the cards. 

1. Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Strengths: Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby, 25, established himself among the elite NHL starters this season. He's cool under pressure and can be counted upon to make clutch saves. Holtby boasts a career regular-season save percentage of .921 with 20 shutouts. His postseason career stats (1.92 goals-against average, .936 save percentage) are even better.

Weaknesses: Consistency has been an issue for Holtby in the NHL career. Rebound control in particular was a problem in the past. He's worked hard to improve his overall goaltending form but must now handle the pressure that comes with heightened expectations.

Outlook: Expect the Capitals to pay big to re-sign Holtby this summer. He's coming off a two-year deal with a $1.85 million annual cap hit. Given his outstanding performance this season, don't be surprised if Holtby inks a seven- or eight-year deal worth $7 million annually. 

Salary information courtesy of NHL Numbers. Stats courtesy of NHL.com.