NHL Rumors: 3 Landing Spots For Free Agent Paul Stastny

At this point in his career, Paul Stastny is a responsible fourth line center that can provide strong play in the defensive end and not so much offense as he once did. While he came into the league very hot and was very offensively gifted, he seemingly dropped off a bit last season. He will remain as an elite faceoff man and provide veteran experience to a team's bottom-six for cheap.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have one position left they would like to fill and that's a fourth line center. They have more than enough offense, so it's not a huge deal that Stastny's offense dropped off from where it was the season prior. What's key for them is a veteran who is defensive, can win, draws, and is reliable. The 28-year-old checks all those boxes and will be affordable at a league-minimum one-year deal.

Colorado Avalanche

After all these years, it makes sense for the Colorado Avalanche to have a reunion with Stastny seeing as the bottom of their lineup is the spot that really needs help. After the bottom-six did absolutely nothing to help the offense last playoffs, the team made some key changes already. I believe there is still more to be done as three players expected to be on the roster combined for 76 games last season and just eight points. There isn't a ton of experience as well, so Stastny can be a staple on the fourth line to give the team more.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning said goodbye to their entire fourth line from last season and are looking a bit younger and worse off. The center of the ice is what is particularly concerning as Luke Glendening is expected to be the fourth line centerman. Last season he had three goals and six points in 70 games, so Stastny looks like a big improvement over him, especially since there is nothing lost defensively either.