Free agency has shown us that even the most mediocre players can become, or stay millionaires as desperate teams come calling. There is no greater bargaining chip that a free agent has than a team determined and frantic to make a move.
The 2014 free agent frenzy put a pile of money into the pockets of some undeserving players, but the 2015 unrestricted free agents could cash and are much more deserving.
There are some fancy algorithms that you can peruse here (courtesy Capgeek.com) that define when a player is eligible to sign his first non-entry level deal. Based on the player’s age when they sign their first deal, the collective bargaining agreement is in place to determine how many years a player must earn an “entry level” salary before they become eligible for the big bucks.
Here are five players that are set to earn some big boy money in the summer of 2015, not necessarily because teams will be desperate, but because they deserve it. The dangerous combination of desperation and a great player will result in a blockbuster deal.
Gustav Nyquist, RW, Detroit Red Wings
The breakout star of the 2013-14 season, Nyquist started the year in Grand Rapids in the AHL. A combination of injuries and great play resulted in Nyquist being called up to Detroit and he never looked back. He signed another entry-level deal this summer, but his final rookie contract will end July 1, 2015 and he’ll have the Red Wing’s brass opening their checkbook before he can even sniff free agency.
Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, St. Louis Blues
The shifty Russian winger signed at age 20 and will be eligible for his first big contract next summer. He more than doubled his production in his sophomore season and will be a priority for Doug Armstrong to resign in St. Louis long-term. At such a young age, Tarasenko has shown flashes of superstardom and will be rewarded handsomely.
Evgeny Kuznetzov, LW, Washington Capitals
After a much-awaited debut last season the young Russian will finish the second year of his entry deal and look to cash in with Capital’s ownership. The big Russian is the heir apparent to Washington’s star wing Alex Ovechkin and has all the tools to be an elite player in the world’s best league. He gave only a 17 game sample in 2014 but will have a full year to impress and earn some serious cash.
Nick Leddy, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Leddy could be a problem for Chicago if he decides to test free agency. The Hawks have just watched the ink dry on two mega deals that locked up their franchise duo of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews for the next eight years. Leddy hasn’t missed a game in three years and has proven that he could be a number one defenseman on almost any other team in the league. The Hawks really can’t afford to break the bank to keep him, and it will be hard to convince Leddy to stay for less than a desperate market wants to pay him.
Brandon Saad, LW, Chicago Blackhawks
The same situation for Nick Leddy exists with young Brandon Saad. The dynamic Chicago winger followed up a solid rookie season with an even more promising display. The emergence of Saad to a top six forward in Chicago will more than likely mean that Stan Bowman will need to move some players in order to stay young and also stay compliant with the salary cap. Whether he stays in the Windy City or not Saad will certainly be getting a pay raise from the $895,000 he earns this season.