A number of top NHL players are bound to turn into unrestricted free agents in 2015, causing teams to free up salary space to accommodate their specific needs.
1. Jason Spezza
Spezza of the Dallas Stars will become a restricted free agent in 2015. He was acquired by the Stars to specifically strengthen their power play, in a report by Dallasnews.com. Spezza prefers to play the left half wall and there were discussion that he might be made a point man on the power play. Together with Hemsky, the depth of the team could be improved, thereby creating a better second unit and increasing the success rate of their power play.
2. Mike Green
Green of the Washington Capitals will be entering the free agent market in 2015 after spending 10 seasons in Washington. Coach Barry Trotz said in an article by The Washington Post that they will work with Mike. He said, "He's such a dynamic player." He added, "I think what we're going to do as a team will be right up his alley, right for his skillset, all the areas of handling pucks and moving pucks and getting up on the play and being active and being a part of the attack, that will all be a part of what we do. The areas he needs to work hard, around the cage, some of the boxing out, some of those areas around the net where he can get better. He does that. His skillset when he skates and with his hands are phenomenal."
3. Martin St. Louis
The five-time NHL All-Star Team member had a remarkable showing in the 2014 Stanley Cup. He led the New York Rangers with 8 playoff goals and had a total of 15 points. The Rangers went as far as the finals in the playoffs but lost to the Los Angeles Kings in five games. St. Louis was a crucial part of the team's offense. He joined the Rangers on March 5, 2014 from Tampa Bay for Ryan Callahan plus a conditional 2014 second-round pick.
4. Marc-Andre Fleury
The goaltender of the Pittsburgh Penguins will reportedly acquire unrestricted free agent status in 2015 with a salary cap hit of $5 million, based on a report by ESPN.com. Fleury was drafted first overall by the Penguins in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. After playing for five years with the Penguins, Fleury won a Stanley Cup championship in 2009. He is expected to continue being a starter for the team.