NHL Free Agency 2015: Rumors and Signing Predictions for Top Remaining Players

The opening of free agency is typically an occasion for impulsive decisions and long-term regrets, but NHL organizations were actually rather measured July 1. The Phil Kessel trade ended up stealing most of the headlines, as fair multiyear deals for the likes of Paul Martin and Matt Beleskey were understandable moves that didn't really move the needle.

Even with the likes of Mike Green and Mike Ribeiro having found new homes, there should still be plenty of noise as the first week of NHL free agency unfolds. At this point, there's a lot of value in the form of buy-low former stars who have seen their stocks fade and veterans who could be short-term boosts to contenders.

Taking a look at the latest free-agency buzz, let's predict where a trio of vets could end up next fall.

Oduya Leaving Chicago

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Along with Christian Ehrhoff, Chicago's Johnny Oduya is probably the top defenseman available after the first two days of free agency. The 33-year-old has generally been considered unlikely to return to Chicago due to the Blackhawks' salary-cap woes, though this delay does suggest a lingering desire for the two sides to reunite:

That report came on the opening of free agency, and ESPN's Craig Custance also reported Oduya had already received a lucrative offer likely to outstrip whatever the Hawks could offer:

The longer Oduya delays his decision, the stronger the speculation becomes that he'll find his way back to the defending champs.

Chicago would need to deal someone like Patrick Sharp or Bryan Bickell to open the cap space necessary, especially with restricted free agent Marcus Kruger still needing a new deal. But with just six NHL defensemen currently on the roster, the Blackhawks will need to add to their blue line regardless of whether they can squeeze Oduya into their budget.

If he does leave Chicago, D-needy teams like the Boston Bruins and Dallas Stars could be logical destinations. Oduya has been a steady top-four defenseman, and though a long-term deal might not end well given his age, he's a valuable commodity who should see his leverage increase as the days go on. 

Prediction: Oduya signs with Stars

Ward's New Suitors

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Many of the top forwards have already been gobbled up, but one of the more divisive players remaining is Joel Ward. A bottom-six forward his entire career, the vet has experienced massive surges in offensive production the past two seasons, producing 43 goals after netting just 54 pucks during his first six seasons.

Nevertheless, after the Capitals inked Justin Williams away from the Los Angeles Kings, it doesn't appear Washington will have room in its budget for the rugged forward. Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post believes Williams' contract, which bears an eerie resemblance to what Ward's camp was asking for in negotiations, confirms as much:

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Ward has been steadfast in asking for a four-year contract, which Washington have balked at, and Williams’s average annual value of $3.25 million is comparable to what the 34-year-old Ward will command as an unrestricted free agent. His agent wouldn’t rule out the Capitals when reached Wednesday night, saying the two sides had kept up communication, but with three still-unsigned restricted free agents...and $14.4 million to spend until the salary cap ceiling, the Capitals have more pressing matters to address before adding another right winger.

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TSN's Darren Dreger reported at the opening of free agency that Ward had already received one offer and was waiting on pitches from two other teams. Subsequent developments have led to rumors that the defending Presidents' Trophy winners are the team most interested in Ward:

It's certainly possible Washington was one of the other teams Ward was waiting on, so the bidding could be down to the New York Rangers and one other mystery team. Teams might balk at signing Ward as he enters his age-35 season, but that should actually cap his contract at a reasonable level for organizations wary of his sudden surge in offensive performance.

Prediction: Ward signs with Rangers

Multiple Teams in on Franson

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Someone like Ehrhoff or Oduya would fill a steady top-four defenseman role, but Cody Franson possesses arguably the most upside of any blueliner remaining. Franson split time between Toronto and Nashville last season, and his lackluster tenure with the Predators has helped cool the general perception on the defenseman.

But as a right shot with a pedigree of two-way value, the 27-year-old unsurprisingly has generated plenty of interest. Before the start of free agency, Dhiren Mahiban of Pro Hockey Talk, via Sportsnet's Mike Johnston, reported that five teams, including Franson's old employer, had already contacted him:

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A number of teams have already contacted the 6-foot-5, right-handed defenceman, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames, according to Dhiren Mahiban of Pro Hockey Talk. The San Jose Sharks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Dallas Stars have also showed interest in Franson.

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There hasn't been much noise in the preceding days, but one rumor mill did note four teams most involved in the pursuit of Franson:

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Bruins Stars Canucks all in on Franson ... Leafs sticking around as well #NHL

— The Hockey Chat (@TheHockeyChat) July 3, 2015"

The Flames are probably out of the running after trading for young star Dougie Hamilton, but the Leafs might hold the upper hand due to familiarity. After picking up D-line prospect Scott Harrington in the Kessel deal, Toronto can continue its youth movement by reacquiring the player who spent his last four seasons with the Leafs.

Prediction: Franson signs with Maple Leafs