Stock Up, Stock Down for 2016 NHL Free Agents: Stretch-Run Edition

On Dec. 9, we examined the stock of this summer's top unrestricted free agents. With the playoffs only a month away, it's worth revisiting the value of stars like Los Angeles Kings left wing Milan Lucic to determine if their stocks have gone up or down.

In this slideshow, we'll list the current contracts of those players and examine the status of negotiations. We will also review player performance (throughout this season and in recent weeks).

Here's a look at the stock value of this year's top NHL UFAs down the stretch. As always, you can voice your opinion in the comments section below.

Mikkel Boedker, Colorado Avalanche

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Current Contract: Colorado Avalanche left wing Mikkel Boedker is completing a one-year, $3.75 million contract. The Avalanche acquired the 26-year-old at the Feb. 29 trade deadline from the Arizona Coyotes. Thus far, there are no reports indicating that the two sides are discussing a contract.

Performance: In 62 games with the Coyotes, Boedker had 13 goals and 39 points, which put him among their leading scorers. However, from Jan. 2 through Feb. 29, he tallied only nine points in 25 games. Prior to his two-goal performance in a 3-1 win on March 16 over the Vancouver Canucks, he had a goal and two assists in his first six games with the Avs.

Value: Boedker's stock has declined since midseason. To land a profitable long-term deal this summer, he needs a significant improvement in his production down the stretch.

Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

Current Contract: New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo is in the final year of a five-year, $14 million contract. On Feb. 10, Newsday's Arthur Staple reported that there have been no contract talks between Okposo's agent and Islanders management since last summer. 

Performance: Okposo has 19 goals and 55 points in 67 games this season. The 27-year-old winger is on pace to crack the 20-goal mark for the third time in his NHL career and the 60-point plateau for the second time. He's the Isles' second-leading scorer and leads the club in power-play goals (seven) and points (21). 

Stock: Okposo's stock is up. He has good offensive numbers in a contract year and is in line for a considerable raise. Given the lack of contract talks with the Islanders, he may have to find it elsewhere.

Eric Staal, New York Rangers

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Current Contract: New York Rangers center Eric Staal is finishing up a seven-year, $57.75 million contract. The Rangers acquired him on Feb. 28 via trade from the Carolina Hurricanes. Yahoo Sports' Josh Cooper reported that Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton has not yet thought about a long-term deal for Staal.

Performance: With only 36 points in 72 games this season, the 31-year-old Staal is on pace for his lowest numbers since his 31-point rookie campaign in 2003-04. His production has been in steady decline since 2013-14, and he has managed only three points in his first nine games with the Rangers.

Value: Like his offensive numbers, Staal's stock is down. Despite his trade to a deeper team, his stats haven't improved. Staal wasn't going to get another lucrative offer like his current contract, and his numbers need to pick up if he hopes to re-sign with the Rangers.

Jaromir Jagr, Florida Panthers

Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

Current Contract: Florida Panthers right wing Jaromir Jagr is completing a bonus-laden one-year contract with a base salary of $3.5 million. On Feb. 22, Jonas Siegel of the Canadian Press (h/t the Globe and Mail) reported that Jagr and Panthers general manager Dale Tallon haven't had contract talks yet. However, Tallon expressed his wish to bring back the 44-year-old veteran.

Performance: With 24 goals and 55 points in 68 games, the ageless wonder is the Panthers' leading scorer. No wonder Tallon is keen to have him return for another season. Jagr's had a positive effect on the Panthers, helping them reach playoff contention for the first time since 2011-12.

Value: Despite his age, Jagr's stock is up. He's benefited from playing alongside rising stars like left wing Jonathan Huberdeau and center Aleksander Barkov. At this stage in Jagr's career, he won't get a multiyear deal. However, another one-year, bonus-laden deal with a $4 million base salary could be in the offing.

David Backes, St. Louis Blues

Billy Hurst/Associated Press

Current Contract: St. Louis Blues center David Backes is in the last year of a five-year, $22.5 million contract. On Jan. 24, Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Backes rejected a three-year offer from the Blues worth $5.5 million annually. Negotiations appear to be on hold until season's end.

Performance: With 19 goals and 39 points in 72 games, Backes' production is well below last season's 26-goal, 58-point campaign. Still, he will likely exceed 20 goals and 40 points. He's among St. Louis' leaders in goals and game-winners. Backes remains a physical force (224 hits) and his club's best two-way forward.

Stock: Backes' value is down this season. While his physical defensive play remains solid, the decline in his offensive numbers will be a concern. He could seek a long-term deal worth around $6 million per season. His performance, and that of his teammates in this year's playoffs, could determine his future with the Blues.

Loui Eriksson, Boston Bruins

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Current Contract: Boston Bruins right wing Loui Eriksson is finishing a six-year, $25.5 million contract. On Feb. 29, NESN.com's Zack Cox reported that the Bruins were unable to reach an agreement with the winger on a new contract, but they opted not to move him at the trade deadline. General manager Don Sweeney told Cox he'll continue discussions with the Eriksson camp.

Performance: With 27 goals and 54 points in 71 games, Eriksson is enjoying his best season in years. The 30-year-old winger is among the Bruins' leading scorers and is tied for second in game-winners (five) and short-handed points (three). Eriksson plays a strong two-way game, logging considerable ice time on the power play and penalty kill.

Stock: Eriksson's stock is up. He's put up solid numbers at both ends of the ice in his contract year. Eriksson could receive around $6 million per season on a five-year deal on the open market. It remains to be seen, however, if the Bruins are willing to pay him that much for that long.

Andrew Ladd, Chicago Blackhawks

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Current Contract: Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd is completing a five-year, $22 million contract. On March 8, ESPN.com's Craig Custance reported that Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman expressed interest in re-signing Ladd, whom the team acquired via trade from the Winnipeg Jets on Feb. 25.

Performance: In 59 games with the Jets, Ladd tallied 17 goals and 34 points. Though on pace for 20 goals and 40 points, the 30-year-old's numbers are well below last season's 62-point campaign. In his first eight games with the Blackhawks, he had two goals and four points.

Stock: Ladd's stock is down, but a strong performance with the Blackhawks down the stretch and in the playoffs should improve it. Unless the Blackhawks shed salary to create additional cap space, they can't afford to re-sign him.

Milan Lucic, Los Angeles Kings

Kelvin Kuo/Associated Press

Current Contract: Los Angeles Kings left wing Milan Lucic is in the final year of a three-year, $18 million contract. During an appearance on TSN's "Insider Trading" on March 8, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun (h/t The Score's Craig Hagerman) said Lucic and the Kings exchanged contract proposals. LeBrun cautioned that it's still early in negotiations, suggesting it could take time to get a deal done.

Performance: With 17 goals and 46 points in 69 games, Lucic is on pace for a 20-goal, 50-point campaign. The 27-year-old winger ranks among the Kings' leading scorers and is second in game-winning goals with five. He's a physical force, too, leading the Kings in hits.

Stock: Lucic's value is up heading into the playoffs. He remains among the league's best power forwards and is a key part of the Kings' success this season. If Lucic hits the open market on July 1, he won't lack suitors.

Keith Yandle, New York Rangers

Billy Hurst/Associated Press

Current Contract: New York Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle is completing a five-year, $26.25 million contract. There's no word on if he and Rangers management are negotiating a new deal.

Performance: Yandle is the Rangers' best puck-moving defenseman, ranking among their leading scorers this season. He's reached the 40-point mark for the sixth time in his NHL career. Though averaging fewer than 20 minutes of ice time per game, he's seen a larger role in recent weeks. Since Feb. 2, Yandle has failed to record a point just seven times in his last 21 games.

Stock: Yandle's stock is up. His play this season ensures he'll get a lucrative long-term deal. Unless the Rangers re-sign him before July 1, he will be the best defenseman available in this summer's free-agent market.

Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

Current contract: Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos is finishing up a five-year, $37.5 million contract. On March 9, Bob McKenzie reported on TSN 1050 that Stamkos is no closer to reaching a decision on his future.

Performance: After netting 13 points in 14 games in February, Stamkos has six points in eight games in March. The 26-year-old still leads the Lightning in goals, power-play goals and game-winners. With 33 tallies this season, he still has a shot at cracking the 40-goal mark for the fifth time in his NHL career.

Stock: Despite his recent struggles, Stamkos' stock remains up. He is a genuine NHL superstar and will be paid accordingly. If he becomes a free agent, he could receive offers worth between $10 and $11 million per season.

Player and team stats (as of March 16) via NHL.com. Salary info via Cap Friendly.