An early look at 5 fascinating free-agent cases

Though Steven Stamkos and Anze Kopitar will command all the attention as long as their stalemates continue, there's a surplus of important contract decisions awaiting pending free agents around the NHL.

So, after expunging those two stars, here's a very early look at five fascinating free-agents-to-be whose performance over the next few months could see them make - or lose - a whole whack of money.

Frederik Andersen, Anaheim Ducks

Bob Murray still has his work cut out for him. Despite being able to lock up five key pieces long-term last summer, the Ducks general manager is now charged with not only retaining the blossoming Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen, but also determining the long-term value of netminder Frederik Andersen.

The NHL's lowest-paid No. 1 has been a rock since winning the starter's job, claiming victory in more than 60 percent of his starts throughout his career. And while the results have not gone his way this season (he's seized two points in three of his 13 starts), Andersen's been at his best: He's kept a career-best .924 save percentage in the face of more shots than any other goaltender.

For his first two seasons, Andersen seemed to be more a product of his environment than the difference for the Ducks. But in this, his final year of restricted eligibility, it's been quite the opposite.

Oh, and to muddle matters further for an organization with a self-imposed cap, they still have one of the planet's top goalie prospects, John Gibson, waiting in the wings - and unlike Andersen, he's signed long term.

Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning

Kucherov will be first off the Lightning's conveyor belt of high-profile restricted free agents when his entry-level contract comes off the books (along with that elephant in the room) this summer.

Kucherov was expected to provide a real pinch for the organization, seemingly in line to put pressure on management with another huge season after bursting onto the scene with 64 points on the most efficient line in hockey in 2014-15. But it hasn't gone as expected.

With nine points through his first 17 games, Kucherov is on pace for about a 20-point dip in personal production. Although percentages for him and star center Tyler Johnson would indicate a change is coming, the third member of that group, Ondrej Palat - who does so many small things to facilitate that trio - will be out for the next month.

The winger's speed wobble might be the best thing for Tampa Bay's long-term pay structure, but his value is contentious regardless.

Torey Krug, Boston Bruins

The Bruins seemed to postpone the inevitable by signing Krug to a one-year, $3.4-million extension last spring. While it ensured the slight defenseman would have to produce in his third full season, it also made certain the two sides would be back at the bargaining table, and Krug would maintain his leverage.

It's simple: Boston cannot afford to lose another defenseman, especially one with offensive skills that distinguish him from the aging, down-tempo group that currently makes up the team's rotating six.

Krug is on pace for a career high in points despite having yet to score himself this season, and ranks second in primary assists to only P.K. Subban.

Sean Monahan/Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames

It's not matter of whether the Flames can fit their two attacking pillars under their label, but what approach will best suit a franchise angling to organize itself for the future.

Brad Treliving could mirror the strategy of his provincial rivals: sign both Monahan and Gaudreau to matching long-term extensions that are lucrative but not outlandish and hope to see them outperform the number. Or, Calgary could sign both to bridge contracts and let them establish individual values.

Despite sharing foundational importance to the franchise, and both ranking as top-40 point producers over the last two seasons, they remain very different players.

Monahan has 35 goals in his last 97 games from a premium position. Meanwhile, Gaudreau has out-produced the pivot over a large sample in a more niche role, but has truly carried his club offensively in the early portion of the year.

Seth Jones, Nashville Predators

It seems like Jones has been in the NHL forever despite being just 20 years old and in the final season of his entry-level deal.

Immediate success notwithstanding, Jones remains the future - and is steadily becoming the present - of Nashville's league-best defense. But how much money can David Poile really sink into his blue line? He's taken care of Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm, signing them to extensions that pushed committed long-term dollars on defense close to the $20 million mark.

Jones will command more than the $3.75 million Ekholm accepted over the next four seasons, but he doesn't necessarily have the leverage to demand more than the $4 million that sneaky Norris Trophy candidate Roman Josi will earn through 2020. A bridge deal, and the preservation of his controllable status, is likely in Jones' future as he continues to refine, but it'll be interesting to see where he slots in this summer and down the line.