Superstar players hitting NHL free agency has become the norm over the last few seasons, but that wasn’t the case this summer. However, plenty of players capable of making a profound impact changed teams.
It’s often these kinds of players — the second and third line forwards and second pairing defensemen who provide important depth and production at both ends of the ice — who make the difference in the playoffs.
Let’s look at five unrestricted free agents who’ll make the biggest impact in the 2015-16 campaign.
Matt Beleskey, Left Wing
Team: Boston Bruins
Contract: Five years, $3.80 million AAV
Outlook: The Bruins needed to fill the void, at least to some degree, that was created with the Milan Lucic trade. Boston signed one of the best free-agent forwards on the market in Matt Beleskey, and he is expected to provide some of the toughness, scoring and power-play production that was lacking in the team’s top-six forward group last season.
Beleskey, who’s coming off a career-high 22-goal season, likely will open the 2015-16 campaign at left wing alongside David Krejci and David Pastrnak. His willingness to go hard to the net should open up space for Krejci to create scoring chances in the attacking zone.
Justin Williams, Right Wing
Team:Â Washington Capitals
Contract: Two years, $3.25 million AAV
Outlook:Â Williams could be the final piece in Washington’s championship puzzle. He’s won three championships, one with the Carolina Hurricanes and two more for the Los Angeles Kings, and he also has a 2014 Conn Smythe Trophy on his resume.
In addition to his playoff experience, Williams should add scoring depth and the ability to drive puck possession at high levels, as shown in the HERO chart below.
He was a low-risk, high-reward signing for a Capitals team on the brink of being among the top Stanley Cup contenders.
Andrej Sekera, Defenseman
Team:Â Edmonton Oilers
Contract: Six years, $5.50 AAV
Outlook: The Oilers have lacked a legitimate top-pairing defenseman since Chris Pronger was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in 2006. Sekera can be that type of player for Edmonton with his ability to log 20-plus minutes against opponents’ top forwards, drive puck possession and contribute on both special teams units. He will add much-needed stability and veteran poise to a young Oilers blue line.
Shawn Matthias, Center
Team:Â Toronto Maple Leafs
Contract: One year, $2.30 million AAV
Outlook: At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Matthias adds much-needed size and strength at the center position in Toronto, and he also should provide consistent scoring production. He scored 18 goals in a bottom-six role with the Vancouver Canucks last season, and if he approaches that mark again, the Leafs might be able to flip him at the trade deadline for a quality draft pick.
Cody Franson, Defenseman
Team:Â Buffalo Sabres
Contract: Two years, $3.325 million AAV
Outlook: Franson, to the surprise of many, went into September without signing a deal despite being one of the top defensemen to hit the market. He finally landed in Buffalo, where he’ll upgrade a blue line in dire need of a two-way threat. Franson is capable of playing 20-plus minutes against quality competition and providing between 30 and 45 points. His presence will be felt on the Sabres power play and penalty kill as well. The 27-year-old veteran also helps drive puck possession at a second-pairing level, per his HERO chart.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
