The General Manager Corner: Free Agent Forwards

Apr 6, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Paul Stastny (26) in a face off against Pittsburgh Penguins center Brandon Sutter (16) during the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Stastny

The top center available, the 28-year old should expect another long-term contract to pay him handsomely.  Overall Stastny has never been able to replicate his production from early in his career when he tallied more than 70 points in three of his first four seasons.  Lately he’s settled into a 55-60 point range, and projects as a solid number two option.  However with the dearth of quality centermen available (at least through free agency), Stastny will be compensated as a top line center.  To his credit he did have a strong playoff series this season and may have earned a few extra dollars with his performance.

The General Manager Prediction: this has turned into a seller’s market for Stastny as he should have serious consideration from at least half a dozen teams.  However he makes most sense for the St. Louis Blues who need to add firepower if it wants to advance deep into the Western Conference playoffs.  Without having a first round pick in the 2015 draft, the Blues don’t have that big chip they could dangle for a number one pivot.  Even if they overpay for Stastny, the immediate results should be strong enough to outweigh the transformation to Brad Richards 2.0 later in the contract.

Darkhorse team: The Nashville Predators reportedly had a deal for Jason Spezza in place before he nixed it.  The Predators have already acquired James Neal for its top line and could use a number one pivot now to really solidify the offense.