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Recent contract extensions for young players throughout the NHL have proved the attraction of winning is quite the addictive aroma for general managers.

Fifteen years, 12 years, eight years, five years, for numbers like $9 million, $7 million, $5 million. It's baffling at times.

But it's also an indication that this season's trade slump could soon be broken wide open. The clock is ticking toward the Feb. 26 trade deadline, and talk of available players is starting to heat up. And if the players who are rumored to be available become available, do you honestly think these general managers can help themselves?

Dangle a few of these names in front of your nose for a minute:

Marian Hossa, Thrashers RW: He just turned 29, is 6-1, 210 and has 80 points or more in each of his last four seasons. He can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and that means Atlanta will probably trade him or risk losing him for nothing.

Mats Sundin, Maple Leafs C: Sure, he's 36. But he is the Joe Sakic of the East – eternally classy, a great leader and contributor at any age. Who wouldn't want to take a chance on a couple of months of that?

Jaromir Jagr, Rangers RW: His contract status is up in the air because of some openers that could allow him to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. But the key for the Rangers is they have changed their team so much at center, Jagr doesn't seem to fit anymore. He has an unpredictable personality, but he is one of the great scorers of all time.

Rob Blake, Kings D: You're probably only getting him as a rental, but he is a big defenseman who can clear the front of the net or help on the power play with a huge shot from the point. San Jose and Detroit are said to be in hot pursuit.

Brian Campbell, Sabres D: Campbell has become a recent All-Star and, at 28, can become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He seems to want to re-sign, but he also seems to want a big contract.

Ray Emery, Senators G: Anyone want a slightly misunderstood goalie? Emery helped led the Senators to the Stanley Cup Finals last season with a 13-7 playoff record and 2.25 GAA. He then signed a three-year, $9.5 million contract extension. This season, he has lost the No. 1 spot and been a huge distraction. Could he find a quiet home in a less media-intense environment? It's a question worth asking.

So you can see how tempting this could be for any GM or owner. But didn't teams learn their lesson last season, when the Islanders gave up two prospects and a first-round draft pick for Ryan Smyth, when the Thrashers surrendered three draft picks (including a first-rounder) for Keith Tkachuk, when the Predators gave away two solid players (Scottie Upshall and Ryan Parent) and two draft picks for Peter Forsberg? All left for other teams after the season. Aren't there enough GMs with burn marks from these trades who have sworn off the stuff forever?

Not when they get a whiff of the players out there. Then, the deals will start cranking again.

We've seen the evidence already in the form of the contract extensions. Sadly, they just can't help themselves.