NHL Free Agency 2018: 5 best UFA centers available
Center depth is a must have for any top-contending team. Who are the best centers available during 2018 NHL free agency?
According to Cap Friendly, there are 80 free agent centers that are going to hit the NHL free agency market. Even though the talent drops off a bit after the top two, there are still a number of intriguing candidates available.
Here are the top five centers available in free agency.
1. John Tavares
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John Tavares is easily the biggest fish on the free agent market. In 81 games with the New York Islanders this season, he had 36 goals and 47 assists. Tavares had 30 more points than the next best UFA center and has the ability to dominate on the ice.
He averages almost 20 minutes a night and had a faceoff percentage of 53 percent this season. Any team that signs him instantly becomes a Stanley Cup contender. Tavares is arguably the best free agent of the post-2013 lockout era.
Who’s interested?
The Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and Tampa Bay Lightning are all strong contenders for the 27-year-old center. Of course, the Islanders are the favorites to re-sign their star center.
2. Paul Stastny
Paul Stastny waived his no-trade clause to go to the Winnipeg Jets at the trade deadline. In 19 regular season games with them, he scored four goals and had nine assists. Stasny played on a line with Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers and they were a dominant line.
He was a great locker room presence and was a big part in the Jets’ playoff run, scoring six goals and adding nine assists in 17 games. Stastny is a really good faceoff guy, as he has won 53.9 percent of his career faceoffs. He is a useful player that can be used in all situations (5-on5, powerplay, penalty kill).
Who’s interested?
Winnipeg Jets’ general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has expressed his desire to resign all pending free agents which includes Stastny. The possibility of going back to the St. Louis Blues is also on the table. Rumors are circulating around the Montreal Canadiens as well. The Canadiens are in desperate need of a center and Statsny veteran presence and versatility will be very useful to the Habs.
3. Tyler Bozak
The 32-year-old center of the Toronto Maple Leafs is widely considered one of the best faceoff guys in the league. After they implemented the new faceoff rules, Tyler Bozak struggled but near the end of the season and into the playoffs, he regained his dominance on the dot, winning 57 percent of all his draws.
Last season, Bozak had 11 goals and 37 assists and was the Maple Leafs’ third line center. He was a staple on the power play and whenever the Leafs needed a late goal, you knew that he would come over the boards for the faceoff.
Who’s interested?
It is not clear yet, but as soon as John Tavares makes a decision, all the other teams will be scrambling to find other options. Perhaps Montreal will be fit because of how desperate they are for center depth.
Strong interest in Tyler Bozak with the interview period now open. Newport Sports fielding several calls on the vet centre.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 24, 2018
4. Joe Thornton
Joe Thornton is 38 years old and had two major knee injuries, but he still has some hockey left in him. Even though he only played 47 games last season, he still recorded 36 points (13 goals and 23 assists). In 20 years, Thornton’s point totals have never dipped under 36. This man is an assist machine and is the definition of consistency.
Who’s interested?
The most likely destination for Thornton is San Jose because his family, friends, rehab facility, and doctors are all there. Other options include the Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Boston Bruins.
Must Read: 5 best fits for Joe Thornton
5. Derek Ryan
In 80 games with the Carolina Hurricanes, Derek Ryan scored 15 goals and 23 assists. His faceoffs and Corsi are great, both at 57%. He’s a good second-third line center that does not play on the penalty kill and depending on the team, he probably won’t play on the powerplay either.
Ryan started his NHL career pretty late, at 28 years old. In three years with the Carolina Hurricanes, last season was his best offensively, as he put up 38 points.
He’s not a game changer, but he will add center depth and is a good veteran presence who’s played all over the world.