Five possible free agent centers for the Boston Bruins

Here is a list of five possible fits at center for the Bruins from a group of unrestricted free agents around the league:

Steven Stamkos (34) Center – Tampa Bay Lightning

When Stamkos retires from hockey, he is expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. With 40 goals and 41 assists in 79 games, the first overall draft pick in 2008 continued to excel. Stamkos also tallied five goals in the five-game series against Florida. This past season, the center played largely on a wing, but he might help the Bruins cover the pivot vacuum and provide the firepower the team urgently needs. Just imagine Stamkos alongside Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. How might a contract look like? It might be a three-year deal worth $7–8 million per season. There will be further suitors. The Bruins should at least inquire.

Matt Duchene (33) Center – Dallas Stars

Duchene’s career has been quite unpredictable. The Dallas Stars are his seventh team since being bought out by the Nashville Predators last offseason. Duchene has had a strong comeback year, scoring 25 goals in the regular season and advancing to the Western Conference Finals with Dallas. Overall, Duchene is an effective offensive player with over 800 career regular-season points. The Bruins may be able to get the third overall pick in 2009 for less than Stamkos. This could be a sneakily excellent move for Boston.

Elias Lindholm (29) Center – Vancouver Canucks

Lindholm had previously been discussed with the Bruins, who expressed interest in the two-way center prior to the trade deadline. Lindholm scored 42 goals two years ago, but his offensive productivity has since declined. However, the Vancouver Canucks forward is a Selke-caliber defensive center who may complement Boston’s 200-foot game style. If Lindholm’s price falls anywhere between Pavel Zacha and Charlie Coyle (about $5 million), the Bruins might take a serious look.

Chandler Stephenson (30) Center – Vegas Golden Knights

Stephenson might be an under-the-radar pick for Boston. The 2012 third-round pick is a two-time Stanley Cup champion who scored ten goals for Vegas last season. The 6-foot, 210-pound forward scored 51 points this season after averaging 64 and 65 in the previous two seasons. Stephenson’s salary cap cost over the last four seasons was only $2.75, and he should be eligible for a slight rise. The Bruins could look to Stephenson as a less expensive option with Stanley Cup experience.

Sean Monahan (30) Center – Winnipeg Jets

The sixth overall draft pick in 2013 had a strong comeback season with 26 total goals for two teams after injuries limited his production the previous three years. Monahan is a talented offensive player with excellent hands who might be the playmaker the Bruins are currently lacking. This season, Monahan had a cap hit of just less than $2 million. His injury history may discourage suitors from making long-term commitments, but the 6-foot-2, 200-pound forward may be worth taking a little risk. If the Bruins can sign Monahan to a contract similar to Trent Frederic’s (2 years, $4.6 million), it may be a steal.

Without a doubt, Boston needs a center. Zacha and Coyle are excellent choices, but a playmaking, top-six center is required. Unless young prospects Matt Poitras and Georgii Merkulov can fill that role, Boston will require a stopgap for a season or two.