The 2015 unrestricted free agent class is mediocre.

Just remember in 2012 when Zach Parise and Ryan Suter headlined a group of guys looking for a better deal on the open market? Nobody of that ilk is heading into unrestricted free agency. In fact, it’s not even close.

But there are some guys who can help your team, and over the next several days we here at Puck Daddy aim to inform you all about the best players in the 2015 class. And by best players we’re speaking relatively to their UFA peers this year of course.

(All salaries are via generalfanager.com)

1. Matt Beleskey, LW, Anaheim Ducks

(2014-15 Cap Hit: $1.35 million)

Beleskey posted his best numbers as a pro last season, skating with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry while producing 22 goals – more than his previous three seasons combined.

One way to react to this is ‘hey, he found his stride at 27 years old and has proven to be a player that can hang in the top six and produce.’ The other way to react, as our own Ryan Lambert did, is that “it's tough to say definitively that Matt Beleskey won't keep scoring like this. But we can say with great confidence that the odds aren't on his side.”

But since the free-agent market is rail thin, someone will pay him.

2. Carl Soderberg, C, Boston Bruins

(2014-15 Cap Hit: $1,008,333 million)

The Bruins would bring back Soderberg if they weren’t in cap hell, but, alas, they are. His offensive number took a dip last season, but he could be a 50-point third liner on a good team. Question is: Will someone see him as more, and pay him accordingly?

3. Justin Williams, RW, Los Angeles Kings

(2014-15 Cap Hit: $3.65 million)

Mr. Game 7 is another victim of a cap crunch, unless he’s willing to take a discount to remain with the Kings. The 33-year-old and the Kings “don’t have much common ground” according to Elliotte Friedman. He should net north of $4 million annually as a UFA – couldn’t you see someone like the St. Louis Blues or Pittsburgh Penguins ante up for this playoff winner?

4. Antoine Vermette, C, Chicago Blackhawks

(2014-15 Cap Hit: $3,750,000 million)

He’s 32 and coming off a Stanley Cup title. A faceoff beast that’ll get you around 40 points, provided his offensive output for the Blackhawks was due to his role on the team. Can he be a second-line option for someone?

5. Drew Stafford, RW, Winnipeg Jets

(2014-15 Cap Hit: $4 million)

Stafford and the Jets are talking extension; question is whether he can handle top six minutes with, say, Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little. He had a $4 million hit on a 4-year deal last season, posting 18 goals in 76 games. Not sure what the overall market would be, but he’d be a nice depth addition for a contender.

6. Joel Ward, RW, Washington Capitals

(2014-15 Cap Hit: $3 million)

Joel Ward being in the same free agent class as Justin Williams is like DEEP IMPACT and ARMAGEDDON coming out in the same summer. He’s a good third liner who somehow becomes essential in the playoffs. Ward wants term. The Capitals don’t want to give it to him.

7. Michael Frolik, RW, Winnipeg Jets

(2014-15 Cap Hit: $3.3 million)

Depending on the price, he could be one of the more valuable UFAs in the mix. A very solid depth player, great possession numbers and only 27. Plus he kills penalties. Jets fans want him back; are there greener pastures?

8. Mike Ribeiro, C, Nashville Predators

(2014-15 Cap Hit: $1.05 million)

All due respect to the reclamation project David Poile took on, and the 62-point season that Ribeiro had, but does anyone want this guy as a teammate given what’s happening away from the rink at the moment? Besides maybe James Neal? Still, as productive centers go, few can match Ribiero's numbers.

9. Chris Stewart, RW, Minnesota Wild

(2014-15 Cap Hit: $4.15 million)

You know what you’re getting: Around 15 goals, a good amount of PIMs from a 230-pound power forward. But he was a non-factor for the Minnesota Wild after he escaped Buffalo, which didn’t exactly add value to what we already knew about him. Plus he’s injury prone.

10. Jiri Tlusty, C/W, Winnipeg Jets

(2014-15 Cap Hit: $2.95 million)

Tlusty is 27. He seemed to find his stride over the years with the Carolina Hurricanes as a top six forward. His one goal in 20 games with the Jets after his trade there was indicative of the fourth-line role he was handed, but Jets fans liked him as a possession driver. Could be a nice value add for the right team if he doesn’t return to the ‘Peg.