NHL Free Agents 2015: Rumors, Predictions for Key Players Still Available

The marquee part of NHL free agency has come and gone with plenty of moves that will have fans excited. Moving into the second- and third-tier players still on the board, things figure to get very interesting as teams look to fill out their rosters. 

It's no secret that stars win championships. The Chicago Blackhawks can have an interchangeable roster because of Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Jonathan Toews. 

Yet there is tremendous value in having depth, especially if you're one of the many franchises that doesn't have the luxury of three already-established superstars. At this point in the offseason, building a deep roster can be the difference between making the playoffs and picking in the top 10 during next year's draft.

Johnny Oduya Decision Looming

Kamil Krzaczynski/Associated Press

On the subject of the Blackhawks, another player who won't be returning to the team next season is defenseman Johnny Oduya. 

The 33-year-old doesn't add much on the offensive side of the puck, but his defensive capabilities remain solid at an advanced age. He's been worth more than three defensive point shares each of the last two years, per Hockey-Reference.com. 

That's left many teams in the Oduya market, with Mike Heika of The Dallas Morning News noting one of those clubs and when a decision may come:

In addition to the Dallas Stars showing interest in Oduya, Buffalo Sabres general manager Tim Murray told John Vogl of The Buffalo News the team is still seeking help on defense and has Oduya on the radar. 

However, Andy Strickland of CBS Sports Radio in St. Louis reported Oduya has already rejected a three-year, $15 million deal from the Sabres. That seems to suggest the veteran defender is seeking a spot that will allow him to compete for a Stanley Cup rather than one final cash grab. 

If that's the case for Oduya, then Dallas would make the most sense. The Stars aren't among the NHL's elite right now, though they will be better after trading for Patrick Sharp and Stephen Johns. They just missed the playoffs last season with 92 points, so this is a franchise on the rise. 

Even though the Sabres can present Oduya with the best financial offer, the Stars feel like the right landing spot for where he's at in his career. 

Prediction: Oduya signs with Stars

Sven Baertschi Setting Terms

Gerry Thomas/Getty Images

Sven Baertschi has not developed as expected since the Calgary Flames made him the 13th overall pick in 2011's draft. He's a winger who has never scored more than 11 points or appeared in more than 26 games in a season. 

Yet there is also the potential for Baertschi to flip a switch at any given moment, as he's just 22 years old. Given his struggles, one could assume he would be willing to accept an offer that comes his way from the Vancouver Canucks, where he played three games last season. 

Instead, NEWS 1130 Sports reports that Baertschi is trying to dictate the terms of his next contract:

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Hearing that #Canucks forward Sven Baertschi will not accept his qualifying offer. Hearing Baertschi wants a 1 way contract.

— NEWS 1130 Sports (@NEWS1130Sports) July 10, 2015"

Ben Kuzma of The Province did point out that there are some reasons to be optimistic about Baertschi's future based on how he played last season in the minors:

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With a franchise mantra to get younger and faster, the 22-year-old fits the formula. He had seven goals and 15 points in 15 regular-season games with the Comets last season and then added eight goals and 15 points in a 21-game march to the Calder Cup final.

(Utica Comets head coach Travis) Green has the best book on Baertschi because he saw the winger evolve from a 30-goal, junior gunslinger to a responsible pro.

"

There is a lot of leeway that comes with being young. It takes a few years before all that hype and potential eventually evaporates, when coaches and general managers demand to see it actualize. 

Baertschi is on the edge of that line right now, but a former first-round pick in his early 20s will always get the benefit of the doubt. It is bold that he's demanding a one-way deal from the Canucks given how his NHL career has not yet taken off. 

However, Baertschi seems to understand where the franchise is at in terms of wanting to build around youth and is using that leverage to his financial gain. He's not going anywhere but should play by the Canucks' rules right now. 

Prediction: Baertschi signs one-year deal with Canucks