Ranking the Biggest Potential Bargains in 2015 NHL Free Agency

When the NHL's unrestricted-free-agent market opens on July 1, most of the notable available talent will be signed up within the opening 24 hours. Once they're gone, NHL general managers will be looking around for potential bargains among the remaining free agents.

Given the lack of depth in this summer's free-agent pool, there aren't as many quality players available as in previous years. Still, there are several who could draw attention from clubs seeking affordable additions.

Be it a checking center like Eric Fehr or a former 20-goal scorer like Jiri Tlusty, there will be players of interest to bargain hunters. 

Here are the biggest potential bargains in this summer's NHL free-agent market. A player's performance, skills, current contract and potential destinations factored into this ranking.

10. Patrick Eaves, Dallas Stars

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Performance and current contract: Dallas Stars right wing Patrick Eaves scored 14 goals and 27 points in 47 games this season. The 31-year-old is completing a one-year contract worth $650,000.

Why he's a potential bargain: Though Eaves has a lengthy injury history, he could prove a worthwhile depth signing. He's a strong skater who plays a solid two-way game and can play either wing. Despite his injury-shortened '14-'15 campaign, he still put up decent offensive and defensive stats. Eaves could earn a one- or two-year deal worth $1 million annually.

Potential destinations: Mark Stepneski of Dallas' official site reported that the club has extended a contract offer to Eaves. Should they fail to re-sign him, teams in need of skilled two-way forwards on their checking lines (Arizona, Buffalo, Colorado, San Jose and the New York Islanders) could be interested. 

9. Steve Bernier, New Jersey Devils

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Performance and current contract: New Jersey Devils right wing Steve Bernier scored 16 goals and amassed 32 points in 67 games this season. The 30-year-old is completing a one-year, $600,000 contract.

Why he's a potential bargain: The 6'3”, 215-pounder is a good, physical penalty-killer with a decent scoring touch. Despite missing 15 games to injury, Bernier reached a career-best 16 goals while matching a career high in points. He was also among the Devils' leaders in hits and blocked shots among forwards. Bernier could attract a one-year deal worth around $1 million.

Potential destinations: Teams in need of some affordable, skilled size on their checking lines could have interest in Bernier. The Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers could be among his suitors.

8. Michal Neuvirth, New York Islanders

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Performance and current contract: New York Islanders goaltender Michal Neuvirth posted a record of seven wins, 20 losses and four overtime losses in 32 games split between the Islanders and Buffalo Sabres. He also had a .914 save percentage and 2.98 goals-against average. The 27-year-old is completing a two-year contract worth an annual cap hit of $2.5 million.

Why he's a potential bargain: Neuvirth could be an affordable backup for clubs in need of goaltending depth. His youth could also make him an attractive free-agent option. He posted a .918 save percentage on a very bad Sabres team this season and has a career SP of .912. Neuvirth could probably be inked to a one-year deal worth half his current annual salary.

Potential destinations: The Dallas Stars need a capable backup for starter Kari Lehtonen. The Arizona Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers could also come calling.

7. Jiri Tlusty, Winnipeg Jets

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Performance and current contract: Winnipeg Jets forward Jiri Tlusty scored 14 goals and 31 points in 72 games this season split between the Jets and Carolina Hurricanes. The 27-year-old is completing a one-year contract worth $2.95 million.

Why he's a potential bargain: Tlusty is only two years removed from his career-best season of 23 goals and 38 points, and given his age, he still has some room to improve. Tlusty can play all three forward positions and is a creative offensive player. He could be an reasonable gamble on a one-year deal for perhaps half of this season's salary.

Potential destinations: Tlusty could be a reclamation project for a team seeking an affordable short-term scorer. Boston, Florida, Montreal, New Jersey, Pittsburgh and Vancouver could be among his options.

6. Jhonas Enroth, Dallas Stars

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Performance and current contract: Dallas Stars goaltender Jhonas Enroth has a record of 18 wins, 26 losses and two overtime losses in 50 games this season split between the Stars and Buffalo Sabres. He also had a 3.07 goals-against average and .904 save percentage. He's completing a two-year contract worth an annual cap hit of $1.25 million. 

Why he's a potential bargain: Enroth, who turns 27 on June 25, is an experienced NHL backup. Though not big in stature, the 5'10”, 166-pounder uses his agility, reflexes and positioning to his advantage. Enroth put up decent stats on a lousy Sabres team the last two years. He shouldn't cost much more than his current salary on a one- or two-year deal.

Potential destinations: If Enroth cuts ties with the Stars, he could attract interest from the Arizona Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers. All are in need of a skilled backup.

5. Daniel Winnik, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Performance and current contract: Pittsburgh Penguins forward Daniel Winnik scored nine goals and 34 points in 79 games split between the Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs this season. The 30-year-old is completing a one-year deal worth $1.3 million. 

Why he's a potential bargain: Winnik is a skilled, versatile checking-line forward who can play all three forward positions. He plays a physical game with solid defensive numbers and can chip in offensively. He could net a two-year deal worth around $2 million per season.

Potential destinations: He could be a good addition to a playoff contender or up-and-coming club seeking checking-line depth. The Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks could seek him out.

4. Matt Irwin, San Jose Sharks

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Performance and current contract: San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Irwin tallied 19 points in 53 games this season with a plus/minus of plus-three. The 27-year-old is completing a two-year deal worth an annual salary-cap hit of $1 million.

Why he's a potential bargain: The 6'2”, 210-pound Irwin possesses good size for an NHL blueliner. He skates well and has a big shot and two-way skill. Given his age, he still has time to round out the rest of his game. Irwin could ink a two- or three-year deal worth around $2 million annually.

Potential destinations: The Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets and Dallas Stars could have interest in an affordable puck-moving rearguard like Irwin.

3. Erik Condra, Ottawa Senators

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Performance and current contract: Ottawa Senators right wing Erik Condra scored nine goals and collected 23 points in 68 games this season. The 28-year-old is completing a two-year contract worth an annual salary-cap hit of $1.25 million.

Why he's a potential bargain: Condra is an aggressive, forechecking winger who also plays a solid defensive game, particularly on the penalty kill. He was tied for the team lead among forwards in blocked shots and was among the Senators leaders in takeaways. Condra's asking price could be an affordable three-year deal at just over $2 million annually.

Potential destinations: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reported that the Senators hope to re-sign Condra. Should those talks fall through, teams in need of improved penalty-killing (Arizona, Buffalo, Edmonton and the New York Islanders) could pursue him. 

2. Shawn Matthias, Vancouver Canucks

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Performance and current contract: Vancouver Canucks center Shawn Matthias scored 18 goals and 27 points in 78 games this season. The 27-year-old is completing a two-year contract worth an annual salary-cap hit of $1.75 million. 

Why he's a potential bargain: The 6'4”, 223-pound Matthias is a versatile two-way forward who can play center or wing. He flirted with the 20-goal mark this season. He's a hardworking, disciplined player who would be a solid addition to any team's checking lines. Matthias could cost around $2.5 million per season on a three-year deal.

Potential destinations: If Matthias prefers to remain in the Western Conference, he could attract interest from the Arizona Coyotes, Dallas Stars or Edmonton Oilers.

1. Eric Fehr, Washington Capitals

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Performance and current contract: Washington Capitals center Eric Fehr scored 19 goals and 33 points in 75 games this season. The 29-year-old is completing a two-year contract worth an annual salary-cap hit of $1.5 million.

Why he's a potential bargain: The 6'4”, 212-pounder is a skilled checking-line center who plays well at both ends of the ice. He's good in the faceoff circle and was among the Capitals' leaders in takeaways and blocked shots among forwards. Fehr could received three- or four-year offers worth over $2.5 million annually.

Potential destinations: According to the Washington Post's Alex Prewitt, Fehr hopes to re-sign with the Capitals. Failing that, he will attract interest from teams in need of a solid two-way center with good faceoff skills. Playoff contenders like the Calgary Flames, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Vancouver Canucks might come calling. 

Player stats courtesy of NHL.com. Salary information via NHL Numbers.