NHL

Top 2015 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents By Position

Top 2015 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents By Position

David Krejci
James Guillory-USA Today Sports

While the smoke has cleared in the 2014 NHL free agent frenzy, the 2015 crop is only a season a way. Next year’s class of free agency is better on paper, but that could and likely will change as players ink deals to stay with their current teams. Regardless of who is on the market, look for team execs to be spending money like it’s going out of fashion per usual.

Goalie: Ben Bishop

ben bishop
Kim Klement-USA Today Sports

Goalie: Ben Bishop

ben bishop
Kim Klement-USA Today Sports

Bishop came on strong with the Tampa Bay Lightning, becoming a Vezina finalist in his first year as a No. 1 goalie in the NHL. Look for Steve Yzerman to lock up the former Maine Black Bear and ensure that he mans the crease in Tampa for a long time.

Defense: Mike Green

Mike Green
Kevin Hoffman-USA Today Sports

Defense: Mike Green

Mike Green
Kevin Hoffman-USA Today Sports

The skilled puck-mover has struggled in recent years, but he has still yet to turn 30 and has a 30-goal season on his resume. With all of the changes in Washington, look for Green to move on and get a fresh start elsewhere. Despite his shortcomings, there will be teams lining up to sign the former all-world talent.

Left Wing: Mats Zuccarello

Mats Zuccarello
Charles LeClaire-USA Today Sports

Left Wing: Mats Zuccarello

Mats Zuccarello
Charles LeClaire-USA Today Sports

"The Hobbit” and the Rangers were unable to come to a long-term deal, and agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal this week. While the Blueshirts will surely try to keep the Norwegian in Manhattan, he could price himself out of New York with another great season.

Center: David Krejci

David Krejci
Bob DeChiara-USA Today Sports

Center: David Krejci

David Krejci
Bob DeChiara-USA Today Sports

The crafty Bruin had a poor playoff showing, but will still be a sought-after commodity and will receive a raise from his $5.25 million annual salary. The Bruins will exhaust all means to keep Krejci wearing black and gold, but don’t rule out the Czech sniper cashing in as a free agent next summer.

Right WIng: Bobby Ryan

Bobby Ryan
Winslow Townson-USA Today Sports

Right WIng: Bobby Ryan

Bobby Ryan
Winslow Townson-USA Today Sports

After coming over from the Anaheim Ducks last summer, Ryan appeared to be the best replacement for departed captain Daniel Alfredsson. Despite having a good year statistically, it was a year to forget for Ryan and the Sens. If things go south, look for Ryan to be traded (much like Jason Spezza) and cash in next summer as a free agent.

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