from Luke Fox of Sportsnet,

When NHL teams have a chance to extend great players, the trend is to not let them come within sniffing distance of free agency.

If you thought Vladimir Tarasenko cashed in, just wait. Some marquee names and red-hot role players are entering contract years in 2015-16.

Let the extension chatter and/or trade rumours commence.

Congratulations on winning GM of the Year, Mr. Yzerman. Now go re-sign Steven Stamkos for eight years at a reasonable rate.

1. Steven Stamkos
Age on July 1, 2016: 26
Position: Centre
2015-16 salary cap hit: $7.5 million

Bargaining chip: How many four-time 40-goal guys hit the open market in their mid-20s? A young captain who is better than a point-per-game over his 492-game career.
Career curve: Prime time. Despite suffering a broken leg in 2013 that still affects him today, Stamkos helped lead an inexperienced team to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final and put up 90 points (regular plus post-season) last year.

read on, includes 15 more players...