2016 NHL Free Agency: Top 10 restricted free agents

Apr 19, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates with the puck defended by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey (27) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Tampa won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Filip Forsberg

The debate of who’s better between Gaudreau and Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg is one that has merit. Both players are outstanding and they’re next in line to be stars in the NHL. One could argue that both are already stars. However, Forsberg is more productive at even strength and is a more positive influence on the Predators’ possession numbers so he gets the nod over Gaudreau.

Forsberg is primed to get a long-term deal from the Predators. Predators general manager David Poile tends to be very aggressive when he gets the chance to lock up young talent. Just look at their blue line – Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, and Mattias Ekholm were all locked up long-term for a very low price by Poile. He’s not afraid to go long-term for deserving talent, and Forsberg is certainly deserving.

Contract negotiations between Predators and Forsberg could rely heavily on what happens between the Flames and Gaudreau. Nashville has the cap room to lock up Forsberg long-term to a huge salary. It will only get huger if they don’t sign him to a long-term contract. Locking up Forsberg long-term will likely cost Nashville at least $6.5 million a season, but Forsberg’s worth every penny of that.

Next: 1. Nikita Kucherov

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