Center of attention - 07-05-10
With the Penguins hoping to move Jordan Staal to a more prominent role on the team's top two lines, that will likely leave a hole at the center position on the third line. As a result, the team is sifting through the discount bin of third-line centers.
Frankly, we were impressed by Mark Letestu (right) last season during his cup of coffee in the NHL. Especially since he spent a lot of time on the third line with Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy and seemed to mesh with those two. And he was solid in faceoffs as he won 55 percent of the draws he took.
Additionally, we would have full confidence with a healthy Maxime Talbot or Craig Adams filling that role. Both of those players are capable.
Regardless, there are third-line centers out there and the Penguins are going to do their due diligence and see if any of them can upgrade their roster.
Here's a quick and easy list of unrestricted free agents who we would suggest have the skills to fill in as a third- or fourth-line center. Who do you like?
| Player Previous Team |
Age | Games Played |
Goals- Assists- Points |
2009-10 Salary |
| Eric Belanger, Capitals | 32 | 77 | 15-26-41 | $1.75 million |
| Craig Conroy, Flames | 38 | 63 | 3-12-15 | $1 million |
| Jeff Halpern, Kings | 34 | 71 | 9-10-19 | $2 million |
| Ryan Johnson, Canucks | 34 | 58 | 1-4-5 | $1.20 million |
| John Madden, Blackhawks | 37 | 79 | 10-13-23 | $2.75 million |
| Adam Mair, Sabres | 31 | 69 | 6-8-14 | $775,000 |
| Glen Metropolit, Canadiens | 36 | 69 | 16-13-29 | $1 million |
| Mike Modano, Stars | 40 | 59 | 14-16-30 | $2.25 million |
| Dominic Moore, Canadiens | 29 | 69 | 10-18-28 | $1.1 million |
| Rob Niedermayer, Devils | 35 | 71 | 10-12-22 | $1 million |
| Wayne Primeau, Maple Leafs | 34 | 59 | 3-5-8 | $1.4 million |
| Rickard Wallin, Maple Leafs | 30 | 60 | 2-7-9 | $800,000 |
| Stephane Yelle, Avalanche | 36 | 70 | 4-4-8 | $550,000 |
(Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)