NHL Free Agency 2015: Rumors, Predictions Surrounding Top Players

The third day of free agency has come and gone without much fanfare from the NHL on Friday. There is still plenty of available talent searching for a place to play next season, though. 

Washington has been one of the big winners so far, acquiring T.J. Oshie via the trade market and Justin Williams through free agency. 

The NHL's best teams will try to follow suit by reeling in some talent of their own.

Continue below for rumors and predictions as to where some of the biggest names still available will end up. 

Johnny Oduya

Brandon Saad has been traded and Patrick Sharp could be on his way out, too. But the Chicago Blackhawks are still trying to keep defenseman Johnny Oduya, as Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times reports: 

In order to do so, the Blackhawks will have to clear some cap space. According to HockeyBuzz.com, Chicago is $418,129 over the cap limit. Last season, Oduya made $2.82 million in the final year of his three-year, $10.12 million deal that he signed back in 2012, according to spotrac.com. 

But CSN Chicago's Tracey Myers reports that Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman is trying to piece together a plan for Oduya:

Where He'll Wind Up: Chicago Blackhawks

Looking at teams who need defensive help around the league, one would think that the likes of the Dallas Stars would be pounding on Oduya's door to offer him a deal. But it seems that Oduya is showing his loyalty to the Blackhawks, not making a decision as to whether he'll play his hockey elsewhere next season. 

ESPN the Magazine's Craig Custance has heard that Oduya has options:

The 33-year-old defenseman will most likely be looking for some security in a long enough deal that could carry him toward the end of his career. When a successful hockey team is looking to bring you back, you'll tend to hang around a little while to see what they can do for you. 

Bowman has built a team that has won three Stanley Cups in six years during the salary cap era. He is capable of working magic under tight restrictions. If they really want to bring back Oduya, they will. 

Cody Franson

Defenseman Cody Franson looks to be on the move yet again. But it might be to his former team, according to TSN's Jonas Siegel. 

Franson has taken a few trips between Nashville and Toronto in his career. Drafted by the Predators in the third round of the 2005 draft, he was traded to the Maple Leafs in 2011. He was sent back to Nashville 55 games into last season.

A skilled defenseman, Franson is also capable of finding his way onto the scoresheet. He has recorded 29 points or more in four of his six NHL seasons. 

Where He'll Wind Up: Toronto Maple Leafs

Yes, Franson will be making his way back to Toronto after a 23-game hiatus from the Maple Leafs. 

Toronto's blue line is in need of some serious help, especially if Dion Phaneuf is dealt in the next few weeks. In Franson's 55 games with the Maple Leafs last year, he led all defensemen on the roster with 32 points.

The Maple Leafs were 23-28-4 in Franson's time in Toronto last season. After his departure, they were 7-16-4. They would be able to take advantage from his experience too if they lose their captain, Phaneuf. 

Most of the Maple Leafs' blueliners have not had more than five years of experience playing substantial minutes. The Maple Leafs held the fifth-worst defense in the league, allowing 3.13 goals per game in 2014-15.

A puck-moving defenseman like Franson can help add another facilitator for a Maple Leafs team that will be looking for as much offense as they possibly can, especially after losing Phil Kessel. 

Toronto was ranked 24th in the league last season with 2.51 goals per game. Franson won't do much to improve that number, but having another player that can pick out a pass will not hurt, even if it's from the blue line. 

Stats courtesy of NHL.com