Projecting the Contracts of the Top 2016 NHL Free Agents

The NHL's unrestricted free-agent period doesn't begin until July 1, but that won't stop fans and pundits making projections over how much the top players could get. Stars such as Los Angeles Kings left wing Milan Lucic and center Anze Kopitar (pictured above) will land significant raises, either from their current teams or with new clubs via free agency. 

Performance, age and existing contracts will form the basis of predicting the new deals for these players. Their agents will also point to the contracts of comparable stars in seeking top dollar for their clients.

The following slideshow will project the contracts of this year's top NHL free agents. You can weigh in with your opinion in the comments section below.

10. Jiri Hudler, Calgary Flames

LM Otero/Associated Press

Career highlights and contract: Calgary Flames center Jiri Hudler has reached or exceeded 50 points four times. A poised and well-disciplined player, he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2015. He also won a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008. The 32-year-old is completing a four-year, $16 million contract with a $4 million annual cap hit. In 35 games this season, Hudler's netted 20 points. 

Comparable player: Hudler is a versatile player who can play all three forward positions. He could be compared to former Detroit Red Wings teammate and current Tampa Bay Lightning center Valtteri Filppula, who has an annual cap hit of $5 million. 

Projected contract: Given Hudler's age and offensive struggles this season, an expensive long-term deal appears out of the question. He'll likely get a three-year contract worth around $5.25 million per season. 

9. Loui Eriksson, Boston Bruins

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

Career highlights and contract: Boston Bruins right wing Loui Eriksson had three straight 70-plus point seasons with the Dallas Stars from 2009-10 to 2011-12. With 34 points in 38 games this season with the Boston Bruins, he's on pace to once again hit 70. The 30-year-old is completing a six-year, $25.5 million contract, with an annual cap hit of $4.25 million. 

Comparable player: Eriksson is among the Bruins' top all-around forwards. St. Louis Blues left wing Alex Steen ($5.8 million cap hit) plays a similar style.  

Projected contract: Eriksson's age and concussion history could work against him getting a more lucrative deal. A three-year contract worth around $5.5 million per season could be in the offing, either from the Bruins or via free agency.

8. David Backes, St. Louis Blues

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Career highlights and contract: St. Louis Blues center David Backes has five seasons with 24-plus goals and 54-plus points on his resume. The 6'3", 221-pounder is also a physical two-way player and was runner-up in 2012 for the Frank J. Selke Trophy. He is completing a five-year, $22.5 million contract with a $4.5 million cap hit. In 43 games this season, he's scored 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points.

Comparable player: Backes' game is similar to that of Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler. The Ducks man has a $5 million annual cap hit starting next season but will earn over $7.8 million in actual salary. 

Projected contract: Backes turns 32 in May, meaning teams won't be keen to invest in his services for too long. If he fails to lead the underachieving Blues on a deep playoff run this season, it could also hurt his value. He could receive a four-year deal worth upward of $5.75 million annually.

7. Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders

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Career highlights and contract: New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo has reached or exceeded 51 points three times. With 10 goals and 31 points in 39 games this season, the 27-year-old is within range of his career-best 69-point campaign of 2011-12. He's completing a five-year, $14 million contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $2.8 million.

Comparable players: Ottawa Senators right wing Bobby Ryan and Winnipeg Jets right wing Blake Wheeler are in the same age group and play a comparable style. Ryan earns $7 million per season and Wheeler $5.6 million annually.

Projected contract: It's unlikely Okposo gets as much as Ryan, but he will certainly receive a significant raise. It could cost the Islanders around $6 million annually on a seven- or eight-year deal to re-sign him. Okposo could get the same amount on a slightly shorter term (six or seven years) via free agency. 

6. Andrew Ladd, Winnipeg Jets

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Career highlights and contract: Since 2010-11, Winnipeg Jets left wing Andrew Ladd has put four seasons with 20 goals and 50 points on his resume. The 30-year-old is completing a five-year, $22 million contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $4.4 million. In 41 games this season, he has 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points.

Comparable player: Ladd, who earned Stanley Cup rings with the Carolina Hurricanes (2006) and Chicago Blackhawks (2010), is a good mix of experience, leadership and two-way skills. He's a more skilled version of Columbus Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno, who has an annual cap hit of $5.5 million.

Projected contract: On Dec. 14, the Winnipeg Free Press' Tim Campbell reported Ladd is seeking a six-year, $41 million contract from the Jets. That's worth around $6.8 million annually. If the Jets are unwilling to pay that much, Ladd could receive a a five-year deal for around $6.5 million as a free agent. 

5. Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

Career highlights and contract: Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal has seven 70-plus-point seasons on his resume, plus nine seasons with 20 or more goals. He was their leading playoff scorer during their Stanley Cup championship run in 2006. In 40 games this season, the 31-year-old has 24 points. He's in the final season of a seven-year, $57.75 million contract with an annual cap hit of $8.25 million.

Comparable player: Once considered among the NHL's elite centers, Staal's performance has steadily declined in recent years. He tends to play more on left wing more often now. He could be compared to Minnesota Wild left wing Thomas Vanek ($6.5 million annual cap hit), who's also no longer putting up the numbers he once did. 

Projected contract: Staal's decline ensures he won't be getting a raise or a deal similar to his current contract. Despite the steady drop in his numbers, there could be general managers willing to gamble on him regaining his form on a deeper roster. Staal likely won't get more than a three-year deal from the Hurricanes or another club. He'll have to accept a considerable pay cut, perhaps down to $6.5 million annually.

4. Milan Lucic, Los Angeles Kings

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Career highlights and contract: During his years with the Boston Bruins, left wing Milan Lucic reached or exceeded 24 goals and 59 points three times. He was a key member of the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup run. Dealt to the Los Angeles Kings last summer, Lucic has 11 goals and 23 points in 40 games. The 27-year-old is completing a three-year, $18 million contract with a $6 million cap hit.

Comparable players: The 6'3", 233-pound Lucic is considered among the league's top power forwards. Comparables include Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell and Philadelphia Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds. However, Lucic currently earns far more than they do. 

Projected contract: On Dec. 10, NBC Sports Mike Halford cited ESPN's Pierre LeBrun in claiming the Kings hope to open contract talks with Lucic. Given their limited cap space, which will likely shrink considerably if they re-sign Anze Kopitar, they might not have enough room to keep him. Lucic could get a five-year deal worth around $7 million annually on the open market.

3. Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Career highlights and contract: Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien is among the NHL's top blueliners. The 30-year-old has reached or exceeded 45 points four times. The 6'5", 260-pounder is also among the league's most physical defensemen. He's completing a five-year, $26 million contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $5.2 million. In 41 games this season, he's collected 23 points.  

Comparable player: Few defensemen combine offensive skills and physical toughness like Byfuglien. He could become the best defenseman available in this summer's free-agent market. His style is similar to that of Toronto Maple Leafs blueliner Dion Phaneuf, who carries a $7 million cap hit.

Projected contract: On Dec. 14, the Winnipeg Free Press' Tim Campbell reported Byfuglien sought an eight-year deal from the budget-conscious Jets worth $55 million, which is an annual cap hit of $6.875 million. He could get as much as $7 million per season on the open market. His age and injury history could make teams leery of investing in Big Buff for more than five years.

2. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Career highlights and contract: Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar has been his club's leading scorer in every season since 2007-08. He was also their leading playoff scorer during their Stanley Cup runs in 2012 and 2014. He's also a two-time finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy. In 40 games this term, Kopitar has 10 goals and 20 assists for 30 points. He's completing a seven-year, $47.6 million contract.

Comparable player: Kopitar's style of play draws comparison to Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews, who's on an eight-year, $84 million contract. Both are considered among the league's elite two-way players. 

Projected contract: On Dec. 17, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported the Kings could announce Kopitar's re-signing in January. It's expected to be an eight-year deal worth an average cap hit of around $9.75 million.

1. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Career highlights and contract: Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is a two-time winner (2010 and 2012) of the Maurice Richard Trophy. In eight NHL seasons, the 25-year-old center has reached or exceeded 40 goals four times. In 40 games this season, he has 17 goals and 13 assists for 30 points. He's completing a seven-year, $37.5 million contract, with an annual salary-cap hit of $7.5 million.

Comparable players: On Dec. 4, the Toronto Sun's Mike Zeisberger reported Stamkos is seeking a deal similar to the eight-year, $84 million contracts of Chicago Blackhawks stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Another comparable is Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, who's earning over $9.5 million annually.

Projected contract: Despite Stamkos' subpar production this season, he will get a big raise by July 1. If he re-signs with the Lightning, it could be on an eight-year deal with an average annual salary of just over $10 million. If he hits the open market, he could land a seven-year deal worth around $11 million annually.

Player stats (as of Jan. 7) via NHL.com. Salary info via General Fanager. Award info via Hockey-Reference.com.