NHL Free Agency 2015: Rumors and Predictions for Coveted Targets

Although the pace of signings throughout the NHL has slowed considerably from the start of free agency, there are still some impact players on the market.

The urgency just isn't there for either the teams or the players now that the initial wave of wheeling and dealing is complete.

Instead, players can take the opportunity to reassess their options as teams begin to look toward new avenues if they missed out on the main targets. That's why there's usually a lull between the frenzy on the first two days and the rest of the high-profile deals.

With that in mind, let's examine some of the latest buzz surrounding some of the top names still available and make predictions for where they will land.

Johnny Oduya

It was a bit surprising when Oduya wasn't one of the first players off the board on July 1. A veteran defenseman who's ultra-reliable in his own end and has raised the Stanley Cup two times is obviously a valuable commodity.

Since then, the reasoning has become clearer.

Oduya is giving the Chicago Blackhawks every opportunity to bring him back before making any final decisions.

Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune reports there's certainly no lack of interest. "Meanwhile, unrestricted free-agent defenseman Johnny Oduya, who has drawn plenty of interest from other NHL teams, is biding his time until the Hawks have enough room to re-sign him," he wrote.

Whether that will be possible remains unclear, though. NHL Numbers shows the Hawks being slightly over the salary cap—that's allowed until the season begins—with Marcus Kruger and Joakim Nordstrom as restricted free agents who still need new deals.

A team like the Buffalo Sabres—who are actively seeking another defenseman, according to John Vogl of the Buffalo News—is probably hoping Chicago can't come up with the necessary space.

But if Oduya has waited this long without jumping at other offers, he's likely going to do whatever it takes to end up back with the reigning champions.

Prediction: Blackhawks

Cody Franson

Franson had 32 points in 55 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs before getting dealt back to the Nashville Predators, where he tallied just four points in 23 games.

Despite those struggles, he's a 27-year-old defenseman capable of being a power-play quarterback—a key asset.

It sounded like his market was hot heading into the signing period. Dhiren Mahiban of the Canadian Press noted at least five teams were in contact with him when conversations could be had but no signings could be officially agreed to:

The reason he remains unsigned likely has a lot to do with price. According to an article Mahiban wrote for ProHockeyTalk, Franson is apparently waiting on a long-term deal worth around $5 million annually.

No team has been willing to match that quite yet, so he remains on the market.

Of the teams listed as having interest, the one that makes the most sense is the Pittsburgh Penguins. They are currently in a championship window and have already acquired Phil Kessel. It would make sense to pick up an offensive-minded defenseman like Franson, even if they have to overpay a little bit.

Prediction: Penguins

Alexander Semin

Semin hasn't attracted much buzz, even in a weak forward market. His track record is strong with five seasons of at least 25 goals, but he found the net just six times in 57 games for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2014-15.

That lack of production likely scared some potential suitors away.

The 31-year-old Russian does have other options if a market doesn't develop. David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period reports teams in his home league, the KHL, have shown interest, but he's not ready to jump at that opportunity quite yet:

Pagnotta also adds Semin is willing to sign a one-year deal, if necessary, to stay in the NHL. That would make sense for both sides by limiting the risk and giving the formally dangerous winger a chance to increase his value before hitting the market again next summer.

One team that would make sense is the New Jersey Devils.

They have too many veterans under contract to start a rebuild despite missing the playoffs last season, so trying to catch lightning in a bottle with Semin can't hurt. And if he plays well, they can try to move him at the deadline for future assets.

Prediction: Devils