Canucks Rumors: 5 Free Agent Center Options

The Vancouver Canucks are expected to make some offseason changes, and seeing how they sold some pieces already at the trade deadline, there are going to be some spots that need to be filled. After Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, the center depth is very weak and that's what the team will be honing in on in the offseason, whether it be through free agency or a trade. Free agency is the likely spot they'll do their shopping though. So let's look at five options that should provide the Canucks with solid depth at a good price.

Three of the five players have been up and down the lineup this season which speaks to the inconsistencies in their games. But if they settled in on the third line, they could provide solid depth scoring and hopefully more consistency with set linemates. The players I'm speaking of are Alex Kerfoot, Sam Steel, and Pius Suter.

They're all middle-aged, but on the younger side. Kerfoot has been the most productive offensively because he is on Toronto, but he was also demoted to the fourth line at a point this season. He definitely needs a new home and the Maple Leafs don't have the cap space to extend him anyways. But if the Canucks are looking for a bit younger and less expensive options, Suter and Steel have both spent time on the top line and lower in the lineup. Suter wouldn't be a big gamble as he's more consistent than the rest and just needs a bit more playing time to play his best. Steel has produced this season with the Minnesota Wild, but has gone from the first line to a healthy scratch. His skill level suggests he could be solid on the third or fourth line for the Canucks.

The other two we have yet to discuss are Oskar Sundqvist and Tyson Jost. Both have played for multiple teams this season and even though Jost has found his game a bit on the third line of the Buffalo Sabres, they have so many good young players they will opt to go with instead of him, making the young center available in free agency. As for Sundqvist, he would be expected to sit in the 20-30 point range and can play center or the wing. He's consistent and is a bottom-six player. He knows his role and the Canucks would know what they're getting.

There's definitely no shortage in options for the Canucks in the offseason, and I would be surprised if they don't grab one of these depth centermen for their third line.