2015 NHL Free Agency: Every Team's Best Remaining Option on the Open Market
NHL teams are doing a great job of shopping smart this summer, and for fans that's both good and bad. It's good because your favorite team isn't spending big money, but it's bad because the excitement level has faded from free agency.
There are many good players available, and history tells us those players will sign in the next six weeks. Every team has something they could address between now and training camp, so we'll see consistent activity over the next several weeks.
Here are the best remaining free agents for each team in what has been a logical free-agent summer.
Note: All roster and cap information via NHLNumbers unless otherwise indicated.
Anaheim Ducks: Chris Stewart
1 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Anaheim Ducks don't have many issues, so one has to look deep for problems or areas of need. An active summer has the team looking even better, especially with the acquisition of Carl Hagelin as detailed by Dan Rosen, senior writer for NHL.com. The Ducks have lost 22-goal scorer Matt Beleskey and will miss his grit and offense.
Who Is Available? They could grab Chris Stewart from the free-agent list as a replacement. He is not a consistent player but does bring a physical element.
Will It Happen? The Ducks have to sign RFA forwards Hagelin and Jakob Silfverberg while staying under the cap. They may have room to do it but may choose to solve their issues internally.
Arizona Coyotes: Alexander Semin
2 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Arizona Coyotes are building again, and one of their main issues is going to be offense. The club scored only 170 goals last year and relied too much on an aging Shane Doan.
Who Is Available? Winger Alexander Semin was a recent buyout by the Carolina Hurricanes and is on the open market. He's coming off a terrible year, but that will help in negotiations for his next contract—he should be a bargain.
Will It Happen? The Coyotes have nothing to lose. Semin is a proven scorer who was in a bad situation and should be motivated to have a career year. He's 31 and only one year removed from his last 20-goal season. Arizona could flip him at the deadline for real value if they don't want him long term.
Boston Bruins: Cody Franson
3 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Boston Bruins blew the lid off the NHL draft—and their team—with two earth-shattering trades leading up to the draft. The trades of Dougie Hamilton and Milan Lucic helped ease cap worries but gave the team even more holes in the roster. Arpon Basu covered the story for NHL.com.
Who Is Available? Defenseman Cody Franson can't replace all of Dougie Hamilton's skills, but he's a nice alternative. His offensive ability would be a major boost for the Bruins' power play.
Will It Happen? The moves made by Boston give them some breathing room, and the depth chart suggests Franson would be a perfect addition. This is a signing that could happen.
Breaking: The Bruins signed defenseman Matt Irwin on July 10, as reported on the team website. The addition of Franson is less likely but not out of the question.
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Buffalo Sabres: Jan Hejda
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What Are Their Issues? The Buffalo Sabres took care of many needs at the draft, including No. 2 overall selection Jack Eichel and impact two-way center Ryan O'Reilly. The trade for O'Reilly was one of the big moments of the draft, as described by Kristen Nelson of NHL.com.
Who Is Available? Jan Hejda is a useful defensive defender who could offer cover for young defensemen. He's not going to post gaudy offensive numbers but can help with the heavy lifting in the defensive zone.
Will It Happen? The Sabres have lots of cap room and only five signed NHL defensemen for next season, so the procurement of Hejda could happen. He would be an excellent addition.
Calgary Flames: David Schlemko
5 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Calgary Flames are looking to fill their roster with value contracts after an enormous draft day trade that brought Dougie Hamilton from the Boston Bruins. Dan Rosen of NHL.com had the story. Their next big addition will probably be internal, with a big contract for Mark Giordano straight ahead, making value deals important.
Who Is Available? David Schlemko isn't a sexy addition but provides a team with steady, reliable play. What's more, the contract won't be a killer, and the Flames may get away with a shorter term, possibly a one-year deal. That's ideal for cap maneuverability.
Will It Happen? Player and team know each other, and despite having seven defenders signed, the Flames may be in the market for another one. Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun referenced Ladislav Smid's neck injury in a June article, and the veteran's status is not known at this time.
Carolina Hurricanes: Jiri Tlusty
6 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Carolina Hurricanes need some scoring on the wing. The club has been active during the summer and should surprise many with the quality of its moves. One of the best was a quiet transaction for goalie Eddie Lack, detailed at NHL.com.
Who Is Available? Winger Jiri Tlusty enjoyed some successful seasons with the Hurricanes, scoring 30 or more points in three straight seasons.
Will It Happen? Carolina sent away Alexander Semin during the lead up to free agency—details per NHL.com—and will be looking for additional offense as the summer wears along. The most expensive options are either gone or headed elsewhere, with Tlusty a solid—and familiar—option for the Hurricanes.
Chicago Blackhawks: Johnny Oduya
7 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Chicago Blackhawks are still in cap hell despite trading Brandon Saad—the trade was covered by NHL.com. The big issue is getting the twin contracts of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane in under a shrinking cap, and that will require more work.
Who Is Available? Johnny Oduya is still out there, and he would be a quality choice for the team. Oduya was part of the championship seasons in 2013 and 2015, and the fact he is unsigned implies he could be waiting for the 'Hawks to make cap room.
Will It Happen? The smart play for Chicago is to deal Patrick Sharp or unload Bryan Bickell—even if full value isn't coming back. The club has already dealt a quality player with a great future in Brandon Saad. It would be unwise to tinker with more of their useful core group.
Breaking: The 'Hawks acquired defender Trevor Daley from the Dallas Stars in a July 10 trade. The trade—announced on the team website—may impact Oduya's status as a possible acquisition for Chicago.
Colorado Avalanche: Jack Hillen
8 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Colorado Avalanche could still use more defensive depth after an active summer. The addition of veteran Francois Beauchemin and youngster Nikita Zadorov—both valuable pieces, as explained by Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post—will be a big help, but the club could use another depth player.
Who Is Available? Jack Hillen has significant NHL experience and is not yet 30. He is an excellent depth addition who can probably slip through waivers if needed, and he offers any NHL team a solid option at the end of the roster.
Will It Happen? The Avalanche have 10 signed defensemen so they don't need to add anyone before the season. The defense last year was so bad, and even with the changes noted above, it's not out of the question for the team to add another option with NHL experience.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Keith Ballard
9 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Columbus Blue Jackets have been active this summer. Their blockbuster deal for Brandon Saad was one of the headliners as described by NHL.com. One area of need may be defense, where players such as Ryan Murray are often injured.
Who Is Available? Tim Gleason is a dependable and durable player in the journeyman phase of his career and should be available for reasonable term and price.
Will It Happen? The Blue Jackets have eight signed defensemen, so this isn't a major area of need. They do have some injury issues and look set in most other areas, so it's a possibility.
Dallas Stars: Lubomir Visnovsky
10 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Dallas Stars had specific needs in free agency and addressed a big area when they acquired the rights to Antti Niemi from the San Jose Sharks. The next step is defense—an area of constant concern in 2014-15.
Who Is Available? Lubomir Visnovsky is 38 but remains productive and can help an NHL team. His ability to move the puck is a valuable skill, and his experience would be helpful to the young Dallas blue.
Will It Happen? The Stars have seven defensemen under contract, but several are trying to establish themselves. It's a good guess that Dallas will address defense some time this summer, and Visnovsky would be a solid choice.
Breaking: The Stars acquired Patrick Sharp from the Chicago Blackhawks in a July 10 trade, announced on the team website. This will have a major impact as defenseman Trevor Daley was part of the price paid to Chicago. At least one defenseman is heading to Dallas this summer.
Detroit Red Wings: Mike Santorelli
11 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Detroit Red Wings were unusually active in free agency's early days, as Paul Harris from NHL.com wrote July 1. In adding defenseman Mike Green and center Brad Richards, the Red Wings covered areas of need quickly. One spot they may need more help is in forward depth—a useful two-way player who can fill in at center or wing may come in handy.
Who Is Available? The description of a utility forward describes Mike Santorelli perfectly. Just a little shy offensively for top duty, he's a perfect plug-and-play for any line, the penalty kill or power play. Santorelli is an extremely valuable hockey player; he just never gets paid like one.
Will It Happen? The Red Wings remain a destination city for free agents, despite the loss of Mike Babcock early in the summer. Santorelli will have many teams after him, and Detroit is an excellent landing spot.
Edmonton Oilers: Curtis Glencross
12 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Edmonton Oilers have enjoyed a dream offseason in 2015, led by their lottery win and selection of Connor McDavid. Despite many trades and free-agent additions, there is more work to be done, including landing a two-way winger with skill who can jump up and mentor youth when required.
Who Is Available? Curtis Glencross delivers a range of skills, including two-way play, scoring and a rugged style. He's unlikely to cost the moon and would be able to play on any line, in any role.
Will It Happen? The Oilers have thirteen forwards under contract and don't have a lot of cap room, but Glencross is a nice fit. There could be a desire on both sides to get something done.
Florida Panthers: Christian Ehrhoff
13 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Florida Panthers haven't been overly active so far this summer. Their major deal involved Reilly Smith coming over from the Boston Bruins, as documented in NHL.com. The Panthers have a strong club entering next season but could use another veteran defenseman.
Who Is Available? Christian Ehrhoff inexplicably remains on the available list, but that's unlikely to be a long term issue. He's a splendid NHL defender—a veteran who can move the puck and play well without it.
Will It Happen? This is a nice fit for the Panthers. They have only six defensemen under contract and a lot of cap room. If they can land Ehrhoff, Florida will one of the best defensive depth charts in the NHL.
Los Angeles Kings: Anton Volchenkov
14 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Los Angeles Kings have had an incredible summer, with the acquisition of Milan Lucic and the contract termination of Mike Richards leading the way. Perhaps the biggest news came from the ongoing Slava Voynov situation, which inspired an exceptional column from Los Angeles Times writer Helene Elliott. The Kings need a replacement for Voynov, possibly for a long time.
Who Is Available? Because the Voynov situation is fluid, it's impossible to know what kind of replacement player the Kings may pursue. Based on cap space and available talent, veteran Anton Volchenkov may be the best solution.
Will It Happen? This is about making the best of a bad situation, so the Kings will have to replace Voynov's offensive ability from inside the team. Volchenkov is a substantial player who can block shots, kill penalties and provide Los Angeles with reliable defense.
Minnesota Wild: Sean Bergenheim
15 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Minnesota Wild got a big piece of the puzzle solved when signing their own free agent, goalie Devan Dubnyk, who told the Star Tribune (via NHL.com) he was delighted about his return to a good club for a long time. The Wild are a strong team but could use a two-way winger who can help with the checking.
Who Is Available? One of the best available two-way wingers still on the market is Sean Bergenheim. The Wild know him well, having acquired him at the trade deadline from the Florida Panthers. Although Bergenheim's performance with the Wild wasn't spectacular, he's a useful NHL player.
Will It Happen? The Wild don't have a lot of cap room but can offer potential free agents a chance to play for a winning team. Bergenheim makes a lot of sense based on skill and salary.
Montreal Canadiens: Lee Stempniak
16 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Montreal Canadiens were not overly active during the draft and free-agency period. NHL.com covered their major item—a trade with the Vancouver Canucks for Zach Kassian. Montreal still needs scoring, preferably on the right wing.
Who Is Available? Lee Stempniak moves around a lot, but most of it has to do with his being so versatile. He's a plug-and-play scorer who can step in on any skill line and post numbers. He's not expensive and retains his value.
Will It Happen? The Canadiens have to be looking for an offensive boost on right wing, where Brendan Gallagher is the only proven scorer. Adding Stempniak buys time for the young wingers to find their way and allows Montreal to compete for a high playoff seeding.
Nashville Predators: Marcel Goc
17 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Nashville Predators hit the ground running in the offseason, adding Barret Jackman and Cody Hodgson to an impressive roster, per Robby Stanley of NHL.com, who discussed the two veterans' impact or the 2015-16 season. The Predators are a complete team but could use a two-way center who is good in the faceoff circle—not an area of strength across last year's roster.
Who Is Available? Marcel Goc is a nice fit for a team in search of a veteran who can help in a support role. His faceoff abilities were on display with the Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues last season.
Will It Happen? Nashville could aim higher and go after some of the skill forwards who are still available, but Goc is a solid secondary bet for a team hoping to go deep into the playoffs next spring.
New Jersey Devils: Eric Fehr
18 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The New Jersey Devils have a long road back to the Stanley Cup finals, but they began the summer making smart bets. As NHL.com's Dan Rosen reported, New Jersey traded for Kyle Palmeri at the draft and made an astute free-agent signing in defender John Moore. The Devils need more offense from their forwards.
Who Is Available? Eric Fehr brings size, two-way acumen and 19 goals to free agency, and that's a compelling resume. He's a big man who can play center or wing effectively.
Will It Happen? New Jersey has tons of cap room and a dire need for offense. This is a nice fit for both sides.
New York Islanders: Maxim Lapierre
19 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The New York Islanders look locked and loaded for a deep run next spring, and their activity this summer reflects it. They signed goalie Thomas Greiss and did some other small additions, per NHL.com. The Islanders don't need much, but an agitating winger who can get the opposition off its game might be a nice addition.
Who Is Available? Maxim Lapierre isn't a popular player until he's on your team; then he's loved by all. The veteran can do more than be a nuisance and has a lot of playoff experience, which could help a young, emerging team.
Will It Happen? The Islanders need a veteran who can be disciplined while also providing a certain level of agitation to the opposition. Lapierre might be an ideal fit with the Islanders.
New York Rangers: Derek Roy
20 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The New York Rangers still have much of their summer's work ahead of them, with restricted free agents such as Derek Stepan, J.T. Miller and Emerson Etem still to sign. The cap crunch is real and spectacular in Manhattan this summer.
Who Is Available? Derek Roy is a nice plug-and-play addition for any team. He can play up and down the lineup and mentor young players—something he did well with the Edmonton Oilers last year.
Will It Happen? The Rangers have a lot of work to do, so any free agent additions have to come after they get their own house in order. If they do sign a player, it will probably happen late summer in the days leading up to training camp.
Ottawa Senators: Colby Robak
21 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Ottawa Senators have been active this summer, notably getting terrific value for goalie Robin Lehner and David Legwand—details per NHL.com. Ottawa has an internal budget and restricted free agents to sign, so a smaller, depth addition is likely.
Who Is Available? Colby Robak is a young free agent with some real potential. He's tall, rangy and mobile, with a good shot from the point. A team investing in him now may get a rock-solid defenseman in the future.
Will It Happen? The Senators are strong in procurement, and this is the kind of move they make. Under the radar at this time, Robak is a nice free agent option for a team looking for value and willing to give a young free agent a chance.
Philadelphia Flyers: Steve Bernier
22 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Philadelphia Flyers have been busy moving contracts and adding youth, the most interesting transaction involving Sam Gagner and covered by NHL.com. The club doesn't have a lot of room left, but depth scoring is going to be an issue.
Who Is Available? Steve Bernier had a terrific season—including 16 goals—but has an uneven track record of success. At 30, he may be ready to emerge as a consistent scorer, plus his size and strength make him a nice fit for many teams.
Will It Happen? The Flyers don't have a lot of cap room, but Bernier would be a sweet addition to the team this late in free agency. If the club can get Bernier and restricted free agent Michael Del Zotto signed under the cap, the Flyers will have had a fantastic summer.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Jonas Gustavsson
23 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Pittsburgh Penguins made the marquee trade of the summer, acquiring scoring-winger Phil Kessel from the Toronto Maple Leafs—per NHL.com—but the impact won't be felt until the fall. It was a monster deal and leaves the Penguins with little left to do, aside from the job of backup goaltender.
Who Is Available? Jonas Gustavsson is a quality choice for backup. He's proven in the role and is still young enough to have a nice run over several years with a new team.
Will It Happen? The Penguins may have a hard time slipping Gustavsson into their budget, but he's a nice option for a team that needs to fill an important secondary position. For his part, Gustavsson would be assured of a job in a tough market.
San Jose Sharks: Brett Bellemore
24 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The San Jose Sharks were active July 1, adding defenseman Paul Martin and winger Joel Ward, per NHL.com. They've run out of money but still need a defenseman.
Who Is Available? Brett Bellemore is a durable and dependable defender. He's not a fast skater and lacks creativity with the puck, but a coach can count on him to make the smart, simple play.
Will It Happen? The Sharks are razor thin on cap room and defensive depth, so their options are limited. Bellemore is a solid player for the money they'll pay him.
St. Louis Blues: Tomas Vincour
25 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The St. Louis Blues made major headlines this summer by signing their own restricted free agent Vladimir Tarasenko. It was a key move for St. Louis, which as most of the work done and little left to spend after the deal with Tarasenko, per NHL.com. The Blues could use more depth scoring up front and are on a limited budget.
Who Is Available? Tomas Vincour is too young to be in the journeyman phase of his career, but he hasn't found a home despite being a skilled forward with size. A team acquiring him will get a solid AHL-level scorer who hasn't been able to impress in NHL auditions.
Will It Happen? The Blues have about $1 million left and do have options for the position, including Magnus Paajarvi. Vincour's size is a better fit for St. Louis, and it might be a solid marriage for both sides.
Tampa Bay Lightning: David Booth
26 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Tampa Bay Lightning came close to winning the Stanley Cup in the spring and have been measured in their movements this summer. Eric Condra was a small but wise free-agent signing, and as NHL.com reported, Condra told the team website he is happy to be a member of the team. There isn't much cap room left, but the team needs to replace free-agent forward Brenden Morrow for next year.
Who Is Available? David Booth is a fast, aggressive forward who can score goals in bunches. He can play up and down the lineup as needed and even sit in the press box if everyone is healthy. Booth is a solid option for a strong team.
Will It Happen? The Lightning have literally no cap room and must sign restricted free agent Vladimir Namestnikov before the end of summer. Booth would be a nice addition, but the team would need to make room for him under the cap.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Tomas Fleischmann
27 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Toronto Maple Leafs signaled their rebuild with the July 1 trade of Phil Kessel to the Pittsburgh Penguins. NHL.com's Dan Rosen offered insight into the deal and the long road ahead. The Leafs have plenty of cap room and are looking for players they can sign and then trade at the deadline.
Who Is Available? Tomas Fleischmann is going to take a haircut from his last contract, but he'll be looking for a place where he'll get lots of playing time.
Will It Happen? Toronto has lots of cap room, and Fleischmann would get ample power-play minutes and quality linemates. If he signs a one-year deal, the veteran could fetch a handsome price at the deadline for the Leafs.
Vancouver Canucks: Scottie Upshall
28 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Vancouver Canucks appear to be adding rugged players this summer. NHL.com reported on a trade that saw them acquire Brandon Prust in an effort to keep the opposition on their toes. The Canucks remain a team in transition and could use a veteran mentor on the wing to help young centers such as Bo Horvath and Linden Vey.
Who Is Available? Scottie Upshall is a throwback two-way winger who can skate and check. He's shy offensively but is a hard worker and can mentor young players—something he did successfully with the Florida Panthers.
Will It Happen? Vancouver looks solid in goal and on defense but will be relying on some unproven forwards. Upshall might be a little pricey for what he brings offensively, but there are elements of his game that should have huge value for the Canucks.
Washington Capitals: Erik Cole
29 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Washington Capitals are a strong team with a chance to win the 2016 Stanley Cup. Their summer activity included signing Justin Williams to a friendly contract, according to NHL.com, and intense negotiations with Braden Holtby, their unsigned restricted free-agent goalie.
Who Is Available? Erik Cole has been a hired gun for going on a decade now and is an effective power winger. At 36, he may be looking for another Stanley Cup ring before retirement.
Will It Happen? Washington still has work to do, signing Holtby and Marcus Johansson. If there's money left after that, Cole might be a strong addition to the Capitals.
Winnipeg Jets: Martin Erat
30 of 30
What Are Their Issues? The Winnipeg Jets are an emerging power in the Western Conference, relying mostly on homegrown talent. They're a solid team now with plenty of cap room and could use a skill winger to add secondary scoring.
Who Is Available? Martin Erat is a veteran winger with lots of offensive ability. Quick hands and feet get him into good areas, and he's an impressive playmaker from the wing.
Will It Happen? Winnipeg may decide to solve their issues from within—that's their standard method of doing business. An addition such as Erat would give depth to their offense, which might carry them a long way in the playoffs.
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