Several NHL Teams In The Market For Second-Line Centers
Roman Josi and Rasmus Andersson
Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
It's still early in the season, but several NHL teams are already shopping around for centers in the trade market.
The Nashville Predators are among them. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported last week that GM Barry Trotz said he'd like to add a second-line center. However, he lamented that no one is trading right now, nor are they giving away centers.
Friedman also included the Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers and Chicago Blackhawks in that group.
Flames GM Craig Conroy seeks a right-shot center. Friedman indicated he's unwilling to part with a first-round pick for a pending free agent but would be open to it if the player could be part of his club's long-term plans.
Chicago Hockey Now's Brooke LoFurno cited Friedman and The Fourth Period's Dave Pagnotta, claiming the Blackhawks would like to add a second-line center. Pagnotta mentioned Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks as a trade target. The 23-year-old has been the subject of trade rumors since January.
LoFurno believes the asking price for a promising center like Zegras could be expensive. Nevertheless, she pointed out Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson's willingness to draw on his draft capital to address a significant roster need in the trade market.
Zegras has been relegated to the wing this season and has two points in eight games. A trade could help him regain his 60-plus point form, but he might not be what Davidson has in mind.
Meanwhile, The Athletic's Jonas Siegel noted the Toronto Maple Leafs could also use a second-line center. He observed Leafs coach Craig Berube is reluctant to return 34-year-old John Tavares to that role. Backup option Max Domi hasn't fared well at that position thus far.
Seigel believes a trade is the only way to address that issue. However, he acknowledged a lot of teams need centers, there aren't many available, and the Leafs don't have a lot of trade ammunition.
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