The NHL shopping spree that resembles Black Friday is set to kick off on July 1st. Perhaps that isn’t such a great comparison.

After all, Black Friday is the unofficial kickoff for the winter holiday season where retailers peddle their goods and wares at ridiculously low prices. The start of free agency in any of the major sports usually means that mediocre players get a lot of money and above average players get silly money.

The NHL absolutely falls into this category, with the majority of teams locking up the premier talent to long-term deals to avoid the open market bidding wars. However, the free agency sweepstakes in hockey serve more as a roster fortification bonanza, where depth players are found to fill out a roster.

As dozens of slightly above average NHL players look forward to an undeserved raise, the owners will continue to grumble about the rising costs of running the franchise. And the cycle continues. Here are ten players that will make out like bandits during free agency.

Paul Stastny, C

Stastny is the top center available, which means that he’ll automatically command between $4.5-5 million per season. He looked a lot more like the player that broke into the league with 28 goals and 70 points in 2006-07 last year than the guy who had regressed and was a possible amnesty casualty a year ago. Stastny’s success hinges on the team he signs for. He isn’t a franchise player, but can be a solid second or third option for a team like the Penguins, Senators or Capitals.

Dan Boyle, D

Like a left-handed reliever in baseball, a right-handed defenseman will have longevity unless he completely sucks. Boyle was not tendered by the Sharks this summer and will hit the market as one of the top options for teams looking for the coveted and elusive RHD. At 37, Boyle won’t be seeing numbers like the $6.66 million he earned last year, but $3.75-4 million on a one-year deal could benefit a team like the Red Wings or Wild.

Marian Gaborik, RW

Gaborik will be a prime example of a guy who will steal money next year. A team that was playing out of their minds cleverly disguised a remarkable playoff effort. The Kings are the best team in hockey and Gaborik benefitted from playing alongside some great players. He’ll more than likely end up with the highest bidder, but won’t be nearly as productive unless he has elite talent playing with him. He’ll probably end up with $6-6.5 million over three years on a team like Dallas, Nashville or Tampa Bay.

Thomas Vanek, LW

The easy comment would be to say see above with Gaborik minus the playoff performance. Almost no one did more to drive their stock down in the playoffs than Vanek and his no-show with Montreal. He’s a proven sniper in the league and was a one-man show in Buffalo, but chemistry will be important to determine where he ends up. He’ll be asking for $4.5-5 million and will probably end up in Minnesota or Ottawa.

Ryan Miller, G

Let’s be honest here. Miller is shot, but could be a good 1a. option for a team that wants to start a youngster in goal. He isn’t a long-term solution as much as a stopgap that can turn in a solid performance when needed. Inside information tells me that Miller is headed west. Look for him to land a backup role in Anaheim or Phoenix for about $2.5-3 million over two years.

Ales Hemsky, RW

Hemsky has the benefit of a weak market and could actually get what he was paid last season ($5 million). He shows flashes of electric talent, but too often disappears. He would be an interesting fit on a talented club. I can see a team like the Rangers overpaying for him as the next Brad Richards or Rick Nash, but I think Hemsky will end up as the next pariah or scapegoat for Toronto. You’re welcome David Clarkson.

Matt Niskanen, D

With the benefit of a weak market, high demand and a friendly age (27), Niskanen is set to get the contract that will help his children live comfortably. There is a long list of suitors, including his current employer, Pittsburgh. He’ll be looking for a 5-6 year deal at around $5.5-5.75 million per season. If his career continues on the incline, that’s a bargain, but he’s only had one really impressive offensive season. Look for Detroit, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Colorado and Anaheim to be major players for Niskanen.

Jonas Hiller, G

Possibly the best goaltender available is the former Anaheim starter. Hiller has proven that he can win, but isn’t in the “elite” category. He may not like it, but his options as a starter in the NHL will be very limited. His best chance is to sign with a team like Carolina, Winnipeg, Buffalo or Washington for around $3-3.5 million.

Jarome Iginla, RW

At this point in his career, Iginla is looking for two things: a shot at the Stanley Cup and a one-year deal. The Bruins look to be the favorites to resign him because they can offer both things. An incentive laden deal in the neighborhood of $2.5-3 million sounds about right.

Ryan Callahan, RW

Bad news for Ryan Callahan is that his price tag is falling faster than the relevance of the Kings in Los Angeles. If Tampa were going to sign him to the deal he wanted, they would have already done so. Callahan will likely get to test the market, which may not be as friendly as the money he left on the table in New York. The 29-year old former captain of the Rangers will be looking for more, but he’ll have to settle on a four-year deal at between $4.5-5 million per year. Expect the Lightning, Islanders, Capitals and Flyers to be in the running.