The NHL’s trade deadline arrives on Friday, and centers are the talk of the town.
Earlier this week, THN.com focused on the defensemen available and the wingers. We now turn our attention to the centers likely to be available, arguably the most in-demand position in the countdown to the deadline. Let’s get right to it.
Brock Nelson, New York Islanders
The biggest prize at center this year is Nelson, who had a solid 4 Nations Face-Off for Team USA. He’s got 20 goals and 43 points in 61 games, but in each of the past three seasons, he’s had at least 34 goals. His $6-million contract will scare off some teams, and Isles GM Lou Lamoriello will likely ask a lot for him. But Nelson will be worth it. He’s a valuable goal-scorer who improved in the faceoff dot.
Brayden Schenn, St. Louis Blues
It’s not clear whether St. Louis wants to trade Schenn when they’re in the playoff race, but he will be very attractive to teams that want playoff pedigree from a center on the trade block. The 33-year-old has 12 goals and 38 points in 62 games, but it’s his robust physical game and Stanley Cup-winning experience that makes him so attractive to teams needing a boost down the middle. Like Nelson, Schenn will have a high price in any trade, but where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Dylan Cozens, Buffalo Sabres
The center on this list with the best long-term upside is the 24-year-old Cozens, who is stumbling through this season on a horrendous Sabres team. He has only 11 goals and 31 points in 60 games, but on a new team, he may return to the form he was in when he produced 31 goals and 68 points for Buffalo in 2022-23. The Sabres want effective top NHL players now, though, so Cozens may not even be the best player in a trade. That will limit the demand for him.
Ryan O’Reilly, Nashville Predators
O’Reilly signed with the Predators intending to be part of the long-term solution for the team. Given how awful Nashville has been this season, O’Reilly may see a better fit for himself on a true Stanley Cup contender. His salary cap hit of $4.5 million isn’t bad at all, but the Preds will need to be bowled over by an offer to decide to part ways with the 34-year-old. O’Reilly must also like the move – even though he doesn’t have any protection from a trade, the team’s treating him like he does.
Scott Laughton, Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers are still rebuilding, and the 30-year-old Laughton might not be part of their long-term future. But a team that wants a solid two-way game – at the cheap price of $3 million per season – will take a chance on Laughton’s game. He’s signed through next year, so he’s a known quantity. He also brings valuable leadership, penalty-killing experience, physicality and the occasional big multi-point game.
Casey Mittelstadt, Colorado Avalanche
It’s not as if Mittelstadt has been terrible since coming over to Colorado in the Bowen Byram trade, but he’s miscast as a No. 2 center – and his $5.75-million cap hit is pricey for a player who has only 11 goals and 34 points this year. Still, a playoff or Cup contender with cap space could gamble on him in the hope he thrives in a different situation.
Trevor Zegras, Anaheim Ducks
The 23-year-old Zegras’ stock has fallen significantly since he had back-to-back 23-goal seasons for Anaheim in 2021-22 and 2022-23. His seven goals and 17 points in 35 games this season aren’t helping his profile at all. But as a reclamation project of sorts, he could use a change of scenery. And Anaheim’s asking price for him also has to take a dip.
Ryan Donato, Chicago Blackhawks
As a looming UFA, the 28-year-old Donato picked a great time to have a career season, as he’s posted 22 goals and 45 points in 59 games. His $2-million cap hit also makes him a great bargain for teams – especially those that don’t land a top dog like Schenn or Nelson.
Nick Bjugstad, Utah Hockey Club
The 32-year-old Bjugstad has become a journeyman of sorts, but his big physical frame and his offense totals – he’s only one year removed from a 22-goal, 45-point season with the Arizona Coyotes – make him a solid consolation prize for teams looking for centers. He’s got an affordable $2.1-million cap hit as well, and he’s a pure rental, so we don’t expect Utah to keep him.
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