Center is by far the strongest position when looking at all the available free agents on the market in the NHL.
There are some big names available and likely heading to new teams, such as Claude Giroux, Evgeni Malkin and Nazem Kadri. In addition, younger centers such as Dylan Strome, Ryan Strome and Andrew Copp are available, all of which could be good depth options.
With free agency starting Wednesday, here is a look at the best available free-agent centers.
MORE: What time does NHL free agency start in 2022?
NHL free agency 2022: Center rankings
1. Claude Giroux, Panthers (signed with the Senators on a three-year, $19.5 million contract)
The longtime captain of the Flyers was traded at the deadline to the Panthers to try to win a Cup. After securing 42 points in 57 games in Philadelphia, he flourished down in Florida with 23 points in 18 regular-season games.
2. Nazem Kadri, Avalanche
Kadri has been one of the breakout stars of the season. In his third season in Colorado, he shattered his previous career-high of 61 points by registering 87 in 71 games. He was also able to wipe away the "playoff liability" narrative he carried with him for years, helping the Avs win the Cup. The 31-year-old certainly benefited from playing alongside star power with the Avalanche, so a major question is whether he'll be able to recreate this season's success elsewhere.
3. Patrice Bergeron, Bruins
Bergeron continues to defy Father Time, putting on one of the best defensive seasons we've seen out of a forward and winning a record sixth Selke. He reportedly has verbally agreed to a one-year extension with the Bruins, but nothing has been announced.
4. Vincent Trocheck, Hurricanes (signed with the Rangers on a seven-year, $39.375 million contract)
Other than Bergeron, you won't find a stronger two-way center in this free agency class than Trocheck. He locked down a role down the middle on a strong Hurricanes team and can be a great option for any team in need of a second-line center.
5. Evgeni Malkin, Penguins (re-signed with the Penguins on four-year, $24.4 million contract)
The dynamic duo down the middle of Crosby-Malkin could be over in Pittsburgh. The Russian center is just not what he used to be, looking slow at times and making careless mistakes. But he still averaged more than a point per game this season, albeit missing half the season. He's going to hit the open market after discussions with the Penguins on a new contract fell through.
MORE FREE AGENTS: Best wingers | Best goalies and defensemen
6. Andrew Copp, Rangers (signed with the Red Wings on a five-year, $28.125 million contract)
Outside of maybe Giroux, no other deadline acquisition made as much of an impact as Copp did with the Rangers. He was a consistent 25-35 point scorer with the Jets but exploded for 18 in 16 games with New York. His value is at an all-time high heading into the offseason as he hits the market Wednesday. Copp and the Rangers could not come to a deal despite the mutual interest.
7. Ryan Strome, Rangers (signed with the Ducks on a five-year, $25 million contract)
Strome finally found a home in New York these past few seasons, playing regularly as their second-line center. He hit 20 goals for the first time in his career. On a strong contender, I see Strome playing in the middle on a third line, but he certainly could play second on most teams.
8. Dylan Strome, Blackhawks (signed with the Capitals on a one-year, $3.5 million contract)
Strome was set to be an RFA this summer, but the Blackhawks elected to not give him a qualifying offer, making him a UFA. He hasn't popped off like people expected he would when he was taken No. 3 overall in 2015, but Strome is still a young, promising center who can likely flourish as a No. 2 or No. 3.
9. Evan Rodrigues, Penguins
With the early injuries to Crosby and Malkin, the Penguins needed others to step up in their absence. Rodrigues was one of those players, potting 19 goals and recording 43 points. He proved to be a versatile option, playing center in the bottom-six or playing on a ring on the top two lines.
10. Paul Stastny, Jets
The veteran center quietly put up his best year statistically since 2015-16 with 21 goals and 45 points in 71 games. At 36, it's likely that Stastny gets a short-term deal, but his re-emergence this season with the Jets proved he still has something left in the tank.
