Exclusive: Boston Bruins Have Five Possible Free Agent Centers
The Boston Bruins made it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs’ second round, which some would argue was an overachievement this past season. The Boston Bruins finished second in the Atlantic Division, one point shy of winning the division, despite the predictions of many analysts that they would contend for a postseason berth. The Bruins will have about twenty-one million dollars to spend this offseason, with the option to acquire goalie Linus Ullmark in order to free up an additional five million. To say that Boston is having a significant summer would be an understatement. The Bruins might be able to reclaim the Stanley Cup with a few clever moves.
What then ought to be done by Bruins general manager Don Sweeney with the additional funds and resources? Five unrestricted free players from around the league are listed below as potential center fits for the Bruins:
Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (34),
When Stamkos is done playing hockey, he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. With 40 goals and 41 assists in 79 games, the first overall draft pick in 2008 enjoyed yet another incredible season and showed no signs of slowing down. In the Florida series, which lasted five games, Stamkos also scored five goals. Although the center was mostly used as a wing during the previous season, he may assist the Bruins fill the hole at the pivot and supply the much-needed offense. Imagine Stamkos alongside David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. How might a contract be written? A three-year contract worth between $7 and $8 million a season might be involved. There will be more candidates. The Bruins ought to, at minimum
Matt Duchene (age 33) Dallas Stars center
Duchene’s career has seen several ups and downs. The Nashville Predators purchased him out during the offseason, making the Dallas Stars his fifth team. Duchene, who scored 25 goals in the regular season and is currently playing for Dallas in the Western Conference Final, has had a tremendous comeback year. With more than 800 points in his regular season career, Duchene is a solid offensive player overall. For less money than Stamkos, the Bruins might be able to acquire the third overall pick in 2009. This could be a cunningly wise move on Boston’s part.
Lindholm Elias (29) Vancouver Canucks center
The Bruins and Lindholm had previously discussed Lindholm as Boston made overtures to the two-way center before to the trade deadline. Two years ago, Lindholm scored forty-two goals, but since then, his scoring output has decreased. But the forward for the Vancouver Canucks is a defensive center of Selke caliber, so he would mesh well with Boston’s 200-foot game strategy. The Bruins may give Lindholm serious consideration if the asking price is roughly $5 million, which is in the range of Pavel Zacha and Charlie Coyle.
Vegas Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson (30)
Stephenson might be a surprise addition to Boston. The 2012 third-round selection is a two-time Stanley Cup winner who scored ten goals during Vegas’ Cup run last season. After scoring 64 and 65 points in each of the previous two seasons, the 6-foot, 210-pound forward only managed 51 points this season. For the past four seasons, Stephenson’s salary cap hit has only been $2.75, thus he qualifies for a minor rise. Stephenson is a less expensive option with Stanley Cup experience that the Bruins may consider.
Winnipeg Jets center Sean Monahan, 30,
After suffering from injuries that limited his output for the previous three years, the sixth overall draft pick in 2013 had a strong return season, scoring 26 goals overall with two teams. Monahan is a gifted offensive player with excellent hands who the Bruins are currently lacking in a playmaker. Monahan played for a cap hit of just under $2 million in the previous campaign. Although his history of injuries may deter long-term commitment from potential employers, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound forward might be worth a slight gamble. Monahan could end up being a steal if the Bruins can sign him to a contract like Trent Frederic’s (2 years, $4.6 million).
Without a doubt, Boston needs a center of operations. Zacha and Coyle are good choices, but the team needs a top-six center who can create plays. Boston will require a stopgap for one or two seasons unless promising talents Matt Poitras and Georgii Merkulov can fill that position.
