Defensemen
1. Alex Goligoski
2015-16 team: Dallas Stars
Position: Defenseman
2015-16 cap hit: $4,600,000
Scouting Report: Puck-moving defenseman with excellent mobility and hockey sense. Despite lack of size, can distribute hits and jump into the play. Capable of playing big minutes.
2. Keith Yandle
2015-16 team: New York Rangers
Position: Defenseman
2015-16 cap hit: $2,625,000
Scouting Report: Great puck-handling ability and superior shot. Superior offensive instincts and very good competitor. Occasionally overwhelmed and outmuscled. Quality passer.
3. Brian Campbell
2015-16 team: Florida Panthers
Position: Defenseman
2015-16 cap hit: $7,142,875
Scouting Report: Confident, creative and intelligent. Outstanding mobility and ability to man the point on the power play. Can get knocked off the puck easily, and is a bit of a liability in the defensive zone. Solid veteran presence.
4. Roman Polak
2015-16 team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Position: Defenseman
2015-16 cap hit: $2,040,323
Scouting Report: Defensively sound, with adequate size and strength. Injury history and lack of offensive ability are both red flags. Plays a smooth, steady game, despite a vulnerability to wearing down as the season progresses.
5. Kevan Miller
2015-16 team: Boston Bruins
Position: Defenseman
2015-16 cap hit: $800,000
Scouting Report: Good puck-mover with impressive size. Doesn’t have great skating ability, and has never been an overwhelming oppressive presence. Solid blueliner.
6. Jason Demers
2015-16 team: Dallas Stars
Position: Defenseman
2015-16 cap hit: $2,210,000
Scouting Report: Can do it all: play a physical game, join the rush, skate around defenders and shoot the puck quite well from the point. Caveats include a lack of game-to-game consistency and decision-making ability.
7. Kris Russell
2015-16 team: Dallas Stars
Position: Defenseman
2015-16 cap hit: $2,600,000
Scouting Report: Confident with tremendous shot-blocking ability and power play prowess. Great wheels permit good puck movement. Lack of size and strength (and the occasional mental lapse) are all reasons for concern.
8. John-Michael Liles
2015-16 team: Boston Bruins
Position: Defenseman
2015-16 cap hit: $3,875,000
Scouting Report: Can be an asset on special teams. Strong puck mover with plenty of speed and mobility. Limited offensive game, smallish frame and lack of desperation have all plagued him.
