New York Rangers: Four centers to be avoided in free agency

Apr 16, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) shoots against the in the first period of game three in the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) shoots against the in the first period of game three in the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
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BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 25: New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton and New York Rangers Director, European Scouting Nickolai Bobrov looks on during the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 25: New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton and New York Rangers Director, European Scouting Nickolai Bobrov looks on during the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The New York Rangers have lost two of their centers in the past week. They will likely look to free agency to fill the holes created by their loss.

It was a tough week of goodbyes for the New York Rangers. They parted ways with fourth line center Oscar Lindberg via the Expansion Draft and first-line center Derek Stepan via trade.

Stepan, along with Antti Raanta, was traded to the Arizona Coyotes as part of a package to acquire defenseman Anthony DeAngelo and the 7th overall pick in the draft. Lindberg was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft.

Both transactions ended with the Rangers not getting any NHL ready centers in return. Now they will likely look to free agency to fill the voids left by Stepan and Lindberg.

Here’s a look at four free-agent centers the Rangers should avoid.

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