The 2016 free agent period is far from over, but the biggest parts of it have already concluded. So rather than focus on that today, let's look ahead to 2017 with an eye on 10 of the biggest or most interesting players that have the potential to test the UFA market after the 2016-17 campaign.
These players might end up signing before then of course and others might be the subject of trade speculation near the deadline, but there is one common element to all these cases: They're entering an important year of their career.
Joe Thornton (SJS) - Thornton ranks 28th on the all-time list in terms of points (1,341) and is tied for 13th with Doug Gilmour in assists (964).