NHL Free Agency 2015: 5 Potential Targets for the Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes have executed a clearinghouse in June to position the team for a few free agency tweaks in July.

Via trades at the NHL draft last weekend, general manager Ron Francis created a dual-starter situation in goal with Cam Ward and Eddie Lack and added a veteran top-four defenseman in James Wisniewski.

In the week since, Francis has then bought out frustrating winger Alexander Semin, per ESPN, and let defenseman Brett Bellemore, winger Patrick Dwyer and center Riley Nash, among others, walk away without new contracts.

Although prospect defensemen Haydn Fleury, Noah Hanifin and Ryan Murphy will fight for roster spots on the back end while European newcomer Derek Ryan will vie for a forward position, at least a few empty slots remain in the 'Canes 2015-16 depth chart.

It's unlikely that Francis and Carolina will be in play for the biggest names when the market opens at noon Wednesday. They could, however, add a few depth pieces—and perhaps even an undervalued second- or third-line winger.

Which unrestricted free agents could the 'Canes potentially pursue? A breakdown of five relatively likely targets falls on the following slides.

Salary cap hit information per Spotrac.

Age: 33

2014-15 Team: Florida Panthers

After a lockout season with the Islanders that revived his career—35 points in 48 games—Boyes signed a three-year contract with Florida carrying a $2.625 million cap hit. 

He remained a 35-point player in each of two full seasons with the Panthers, however, and was bought out on Tuesday, per TSN.

The veteran right winger is still capable of producing 15-goal, 35-point campaigns on a perennial basis and, given that the team that signs him this summer might be the eighth organization of his career, boasts a wealth of experience from around the league.

He could be an affordable option for the 'Canes to add a solid secondary player to their shallow list of right-handed wingers.

Projected Contract: Two years, $1.8 million cap hit

Age: 29

2014-15 Team: Washington Capitals

Longtime Capitals bottom-six weapon Eric Fehr, who has played 419 of 454 career games with Washington, may well have found a new home by the time he turns 30 in September.

Fehr has never, and will never, be a big star. His 19 goals and 33 points in 2014-15 were the second-highest totals of his increasingly lengthy career. The 6'4", 212-pound forward, nevertheless, has proven to be versatile (plays both center and wing) and consistent in the role he serves.

Carolina could look at the former first-round selection as a viable candidate to solidify the third line.

Projected Contract: Two years, $2.25 million cap hit

Age: 27

2014-15 Team: Winnipeg Jets

After several years as a mere squad rotation player in Chicago, Frolik stepped into a contributing role the last two seasons in Manitoba. He missed just one game during the two-year tenure and tallied exactly 42 points both years, nearly hitting the 20-goal plateau in 2014-15 for the first time since 2009-10.

As one of the youngest players on the UFA market, Frolik could seek a raise from his (already possibly overpriced) $3.3 million cap hit of the past year.

If other GMs pass him over, conversely, Frolik stands a chance of falling into Carolina's lap and bringing veritable second- or third-line-level production for a reasonable price.

Projected Contract: Three years, $3.3 million cap hit

Age: 32

2014-15 Teams: Calgary Flames/Washington Capitals

Physical veteran Curtis Glencross didn't click after a trade deadline deal that sent him to Washington.

Although the Capitals gave up what became the No. 52 and No. 83 picks to acquire him and the 6'1" winger did manage seven points in 18 regular season games in D.C., his lone one point in the playoffs ensured his trip out of town this summer.

But when Glencross can stay healthy (which isn't always), he's a decent player. The undrafted Saskatchewan native scored 26 goals as recently as 2011-12 and dished out 103 hits in 53 games for Calgary before his trade this past spring.

Glencross could add a grizzled veteran presence and a good bit of box-score production to Carolina.

Projected Contract: Two years, $2.25 million cap hit

Age: 33

2014-15 Team: Los Angeles Kings

Almost six years after Williams was dealt from Carolina to Los Angeles following a wake of injury issues, it's hard to believe the now three-time Stanley Cup champion is only 33.

But he is, and—his continuing popularity in the Raleigh fanbase aside—he may be the best-suited player for the 'Canes in the entire 2015 free-agent class.

Williams' production, which surpassed 30 goals in both Carolina's Cup year and the following season, has declined down to the 40- or 45-point range in the time since. He remains a highly proven and capable second-tier scorer regardless and claims 582 career NHL points to his name. Advanced stats, too, paint a favorable picture, as his 2014-15 Corsi rating was higher than all but three other Kings forwards (per Behind the Net).

"Mr. Game Seven", as he is often called, is also a noted leadership presence on and off the ice, a right-handed right winger (the weakest part of Carolina's current roster) and famous for delivering under pressure situations.

His entire resume fits perfectly with the desires of Ron Francis, and a return to Carolina would inspire tremendous excitement in the fan support category as well.

Projected Contract: Three years, $3.25 million cap hit