Edmonton is going to be looking for help on the back-end and the 28 year-old Sekera could fit in nicely with the Oilers. His ability to offer a high level of offensive and defensive game is high on the Oilers wish list and Sekera shouldn't break the bank, probably coming in around the $5-5.5M range. New GM Peter Chiarelli is going to make a splash during free agency and a guy like Sekera is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Oilers.

Cody Franson

Nashville Predators

Expiring Cap hit:  $3.3M

Franson started the year with the Toronto Maple Leafs but was dealt to the Nashville Predators in February after it appeared that a contract extension was not going to happen.  Franson had played the previous three seasons on one year deals with the Leafs and his $3.3M contract is due to expire on July 1^st.

The past few years, Franson was the Leafs most productive blueliner. He brings a rare mix of size, aggression and offense but for some reason, the Leafs were afraid to commit to him long-term. His trade to Nashville was far from a success. He got buried in a deep blue line there and although he appeared to play well, his ice time dropped to just over 15 minutes per game and he managed only four points in 23 games for the Preds.

My prediction where he ends up:  Detroit Red Wings

Other possible destinations:  Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars

Detroit has been searching for an offensive, right-handed shot most of last year and was unable to secure one via trade. The 27-year old would fit in nicely on the blueline for the Wings and their long term solution on the back end.  Once they re-sign their primary free agents, the cap space will still be there to add a guy like Franson, who should command a salary cap hit around the $5– 5.5M mark, much like Jeff Petry just signed for.

Christian Ehrhoff

Pittsburgh Penguins

Expiring Cap hit:  $4M

Ehrhoff signed a one-year deal last summer with the Penguins after the Buffalo Sabres bought out the remaining seven years on his 10-year, $40 million contract. At the time it seemed like a major coup for the Penguins. Unfortunately for both Ehrhoff and the Penguins, his season was a disappointment as it was filled with limited offense and concussion issues.

Fast forward to this summer and Ehrhoff is once again a free agent looking for work. His agent, Rick Curran, has already stated that Ehrhoff intends on testing the market to see what's out there and he says he is healthy.

My prediction where he ends up:  San Jose Sharks

Other possible destinations:  Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche, Pittsburgh Penguins

I have the Sharks picking up Mike Green earlier and they continue to re-tool their blue line by also signing former Shark Ehrhoff. As it stands right now, the Sharks only have Brent Burns, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Justin Braun and Matt Tennyson signed so they need help back there. Current RFA, Brenden Dillon will get re-signed but guys like Scott Hannan will be sent packing.  The Sharks also have Matt Irwin as an unrestricted free agent to consider as well, and will more than likely be re-signed to an inexpensive contract.

GM Doug Wilson has to know he needs to go all-in this year or his job is in jeopardy. I can see Ehrhoff signing a new deal close to what he made last year, in the $4 – $4.5M range. The Sharks have close to $20M in cap space (pending the cap limit) to play with and I expect Wilson to improve his defense by locking up some big name free agents.

****