2016 NHL Free Agents with the Most to Gain This Season

For a number next year's crop of NHL unrestricted free agents, their performances in the upcoming season will significantly affect their value. They aren't superstars like Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos, who are certain to rank among the best unrestricted free agents, regardless of performance. They're not notable stars like Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal, who will benefit from his stellar reputation and previous accomplishments.

Some are late-blooming talents, like Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader. Several are fading stars like Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward. Others, like Toronto Maple Leafs netminder James Reimer (pictured above), are struggling to reach their projected potential. Strong efforts on their part could substantially bolster their worth to their current teams or in the free-agent market. 

Here's a look at the NHL free agents with the most to gain in 2015-16. Current contracts and recent performances factored into the compilation, as well as what each player stands to gain. As always, feel free to weigh in with your comments. 

Justin Abdelkader, Detroit Red Wings

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

Current contract: Detroit Red Wings left wing Justin Abdelkader is entering the final season of a four-year, $7.2 million contract. His annual average salary is $1.8 million, though his actual salary for this season is $2.25 million.

Recent performance: A physical and energetic winger, Abdelkader enjoyed career highs in goals (23), assists (21) and points (44) last season. He will likely see first-line minutes in 2015-16. 

What he stands to gain: In addition to a healthy raise over his current contract, Abdelkader can prove he's more than just an agitating forward with a decent scoring touch. Skating alongside Henrik Zetterberg and either Pavel Datsyuk or Gustav Nyquist, the 28-year-old can establish himself as a late-blooming first-line scoring threat.

Mikkel Boedker, Arizona Coyotes

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

Current contract: Arizona Coyotes left wing Mikkel Boedker is currently on a one-year, $3.75 million contract. 

Recent performance: Before Boedker's season was cut short by a ruptured spleen, he was on his way toward posting the best numbers of his career. In 45 games, he tallied 14 goals (only five short of his career-high 19) and 14 assists for 28 points. 

What he stands to gain: Boedker has steadily developed into a reliable top-six forward. This season is a perfect opportunity for the 25-year-old to make his mark as a first-line winger. Reaching the 20-goal mark and exceeding his career-high 51 points in his contract year will certainly ensure he receives a lucrative long-term contract from the Coyotes or another club via free agency.

Loui Eriksson, Boston Bruins

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

Current contract: Boston Bruins right wing Loui Eriksson is entering the final season of his six-year, $25.5 million contract. His annual average salary is $4.25 million, while his actual salary for 2015-16 is $4.5 million. 

Recent performance: After struggling in his first season with the Bruins, Eriksson enjoyed a bounce-back performance in 2014-15. He finished second on the team in points (47) and third in goals with 22.  

What he stands to gain: Since coming to Boston two years ago in the Tyler Seguin trade, Eriksson's contributions have been overshadowed by Seguin blossoming into a superstar with the Dallas Stars. This season is a perfect opportunity for Eriksson to prove his effectiveness as a two-way forward to Bruins fans and management, as well as bolster his free-agent value. 

Sam Gagner, Philadelphia Flyers

Tom Mihalek/Associated Press

Current contract: Philadelphia Flyers center Sam Gagner is entering the final season of his three-year, $14.4 million contract. His annual average salary is $4.8 million, while his actual salary for 2015-16 is $5 million. 

Recent performance: Gagner tallied 41 points last season with the Arizona Coyotes. It marked the sixth time in his eight-year NHL career he's reached the 40-point plateau.

What he stands to gain: Despite Gagner's multiple 40-point seasons, he tends to struggle when given more responsibilities and playing time. Now on his third team in as many seasons, he must establish himself as a reliable second-line forward. Doing so will go a long way toward maintaining his current pay scale, either with the Flyers or another club as a free agent. 

James Reimer, Toronto Maple Leafs

Tom Mihalek/Associated Press

Current contract: Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer is entering the final season of his two-year, $4.6 million contract. His annual average salary is $2.3 million, while his actual salary for 2015-16 is $2 million. 

Recent performance: As the Leafs' backup netminder last season, Reimer posted a record of nine wins, 16 losses and one overtime loss in 35 appearances. His goals-against average was 3.16 and his save percentage was .907. 

What he stands to gain: With Jonathan Bernier entrenched as the Leafs' starting goalie, Reimer doesn't appear to have a long-term future in Toronto. With unrestricted free agency beckoning, this is a good opportunity for the 27-year-old to improve his stats and prove to clubs seeking goaltending depth that he still has potential as a starter.

Kris Russell, Calgary Flames

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

Current contract: Calgary Flames defenseman Kris Russell is entering the final season of his two-year, $5.2 million contract. His annual average salary is $2.6 million. 

Recent performance: Russell was among the Flames' top blueliners last season. He netted 34 points in 79 games and led the club in plus/minus (plus-18) and blocked shots (283). Russell also ranked among their leaders in takeaways and ice time.

What he stands to gain: Playing in the shadow of Mark Giordano, T.J. Brodie and Dougie Hamilton, Russell's all-around game makes him an underrated part of a very deep Flames blue line. Having struggled early in his career in Columbus and St. Louis, the 28-year-old has blossomed in Calgary. Another solid performance will certainly boost Russell's free-agent stock if the Flames fail to re-sign him.

Alexander Semin, Montreal Canadiens

Alex Gallardo/Associated Press

Current contract: Montreal Canadiens right wing Alexander Semin is on a one-year contract worth $1.1 million. 

Recent performance: Despite netting more than 40 points in eight of his 10 NHL seasons, 2014-15 was the worst of Semin's career. In 57 games, he tallied only six goals and 13 assists for 19 points.

What he stands to gain: Semin's future as an NHL player is at stake this season. In June, the Carolina Hurricanes bought out the remaining two years and $14 million of his contract. That only served to cement his reputation as an enigmatic, indifferent player. Semin must regain his offensive form and silence his critics, or this will be his final season in the NHL.

Cam Talbot, Edmonton Oilers

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Current contract: Edmonton Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot is on a one-year contract worth $1.45 million. 

Recent performance: Filling in for injured New York Rangers starter Henrik Lundqvist, Talbot posted a record of 21 wins, nine losses, four overtime losses and five shutouts in 36 games. He also had a solid 2.21 goals-against average and .926 save percentage.

What he stands to gain: Acquired in a June trade by the Edmonton Oilers, this is the 28-year-old Talbot's chance to establish himself as an NHL starting goaltender. If he puts up good numbers on the rebuilding Oilers, he will have a lucrative, long-term future in Edmonton. And if he carries them to a playoff berth this season, his pay raise could be quite substantial.

Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes

Gary Wiepert/Associated Press

Current contract: Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward is entering the final season of his six-year, $37.8 million contract. His annual average salary is $6.3 million, while his actual salary for 2015-16 is $6.8 million. 

Recent performance: After two injury-hampered campaigns, Ward enjoyed a bit of a bounce-back performance last season. In 51 games, he posted a respectable 2.40 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. Unfortunately, he won only 22 of his appearances. 

What he stands to gain: In recent years, the 2006 Conn Smythe Trophy winner has seen his reputation as a reliable starting goalie take a beating. While injuries and a lack of skilled roster depth didn't help, it appears the 31-year-old's best years are long behind him. Returning to form this season is crucial for Ward to salvage his reputation and improving his free-agent stock.

Keith Yandle, New York Rangers

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

Current contract: New York Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle is entering the final season of a five-year, $26.25 million contract. His annual average salary is $5.25 million, while his actual salary for 2015-16 is $5.75 million.

Recent performance: In 84 games split between the Rangers and the Arizona Coyotes, Yandle scored six goals, 46 assists and 52 points. He led all NHL blueliners last season in assists.

What he stands to gain: Despite Yandle's offensive prowess, it appears unlikely the Rangers can afford the big pay raise necessary to retain the 29-year-old defenseman. Another 50-plus point performance could ensure Yandle becomes one of the top players in the 2016 free-agent market.

All player and team stats via NHL.com, and all salary information via General Fanager.