Spoiler alert: this year's class of free agent centers is extremely disappointing.
The 2023 free agent list is underwhelming as-is, but the center position is arguably the weakest. It's a mix of older veterans who could be retiring and bottom-six forwards known more for their defensive play than contributing offensively.
So if a team is looking for a franchise center, it won't find one of the free agent markets.
MORE: Seven bold predictions for the 2023 NHL offseason
The Sporting News ranks the top 10 centers available in free agency.
NHL free agency 2023: Center rankings
1. Ryan O'Reilly
O'Reilly couldn't reach a contract extension with the Blues, was traded to the Maple Leafs at the trade deadline, and now is going to be the top center available this summer. The elite, two-way center is 32 years old, but is still extremely effective in the faceoff dot and setting up plays in the offensive zone. O'Reilly's numbers don't pop, but he's a strong defensive forward with a Selke, Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup to his name.
2. Matt Duchene
Duchene wasn't expected to be available this summer considering he was signed for three more seasons in Nashville. However, Barry Trotz elected to buy out the remainder of his contract, making him a free agent after he cleared waivers. Duchene immediately becomes one of the top players available. He's a speedy center who has experience on the wing as well. There's a ton of upside for a team signing him to a short-term deal.
3. Patrice Bergeron
Like last year, when it comes to the future of Bergeron, there are really only two options: retirement, or a return to the Bruins. Despite his age, Bergeron still produces like a No. 1 center and is arguably the greatest defensive forward ever, coming off Selke win No. 6. Boston will undoubtedly take a massive hit if the 37-year-old decides to hang up the skates.
4. David Krejci
The Bruins are also possibly losing Krejci down the middle as well. The veteran returned to Boston on a one-year deal after playing in his home country of Czech Republic for the 2021-22 season. Similar to Bergeron, it feels like it's either retirement or a return to the Bruins for the Czech center, but there are also rumors he could be returning to play back home again.
5. Jonathan Toews
Toews' time in Chicago is done. The Blackhawks previously announced that they would not re-sign their captain with his contract expiring this summer. There are health concerns that leave Toews' playing career in doubt, however, if he does decide to keep playing, he could be a solid depth option that would provide defensive stability and a weapon in the faceoff dot.
6. Alexander Kerfoot
Kerfoot is a versatile forward option who played up and down the Toronto lineup. He's primarily a center, but has experience on the wing as well. There isn't a ton of offense to his game, and Kerfoot is on the smaller side at 5-11. He posted 32 points in 82 games with the Leafs this past season.
7. J.T. Compher
It's not surprising that the Avalanche weren't thrilled with the production from Compher as the No. 2 center last season. The Michigan product had 52 points in 82 games, but wasn't the dynamic playmaker they needed. Compher is more suited as a third-line center on a strong team.
8. Evan Rodrigues
Another Avalanche forward hitting the market, Rodrigues put up more than 15 goals for the second time in as many seasons, but it's likely more due to the talent around him than his own playmaking. He's a checking-line center suited for a bottom-six role.
9. Nick Bonino
At 35 years old, Bonino is a veteran option for a team's bottom six. He brings leadership to a locker room, and is solid defensively. He had 19 points in 62 games combined with the Sharks and Penguins.
10. Tomas Nosek
Nosek is a fourth-line center who is excellent on the penalty kill and above-average in the faceoff dot. He tied his career-high in points last season with 18 in 66 games.
