3 Players That Teams Will Check In On During Hunt For Center Upgrade

There are some teams around the NHL that are still looking for center help ahead of the season. This was evident from the check-in on Evgeni Malkin by the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers. As an upcoming UFA, Malkin is a top player that teams will go after if he wants to leave, but only one team, if that, is going to be able to get him from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Teams will have to go to their next options, which include some other middle-6 centers going into the last year of their deals.

Charlie Coyle

The Columbus Blue Jackets picked up Charlie Coyle from the Colorado Avalanche this offseason in a cap clearing move for Colorado. Columbus had the space and Coyle is a solid high-end third line center that can also play on the second line if needed. There may be some injury concerns, so bringing the veteran in was a safety net. The Blue Jackets think they will be in the hunt and could make the playoffs this season, but they could also be lagging a little behind and sell a piece or two. There will definitely be interest in Coyle if they aren't in a playoff spot at the deadline.

J.G. Pageau

The New York Islanders aren't expected to do as well as the Blue Jackets, but they are in the same boat. With how J.G. Pageau bounced back last season, the Islanders chose not to sell high and instead keep their strong two-way center again. This gives the team good depth up the middle, but there has been and there will be a ton of interest in him. The price will be higher as it always has unless he struggles, which I don't see happening as his defensive game picks up for any offensive struggles.

Alex Wennberg

It would be the most shocking turn of events if the San Jose Sharks aren't sellers this season. They are deep in a rebuild and have finished last two years in a row. They might move 1-2 spots up the standings, but even that is difficult to see while looking at that forward group. Teams will be coming to the Sharks to take on money and for some players. The center market may be thin, so Alex Wennberg should receive attention. He can log a lot of minutes if needed and is a good complementary player, but his numbers won't look as good on the Sharks. There will be interest on him as there's no doubt he'll be on the move.