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

By Timothy Haggerty

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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May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Daniel Winnik (26) attempts to shoot the puck past Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) as Penguins defenseman Chad Ruhwedel (2) and Penguins defenseman Ian Cole (28) defend during the first period in game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Daniel Winnik (26) attempts to shoot the puck past Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) as Penguins defenseman Chad Ruhwedel (2) and Penguins defenseman Ian Cole (28) defend during the first period in game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Daniel Winnik

Winnik has played in several cities since he entered the league in 2008, most recently the Washington Capitals. Now he could be looking for another home, and the New York Rangers should not be holding the door open.

Winnik has been a steady, under 30 points per season player. Like Pyatt, that’s just not what the Rangers need right now.

They are recovering from the loss of Derek Stepan, their number one center, and Oscar Lindberg, a great bottom six forward. Trying to replace them is doable, but not with players such as Winnik.

Winnik had 25 points this year and a +15 rating. Those numbers have fluctuated throughout his career and it’s possible that’s because of his supporting cast. His Corsi-for has fluctuated above and below 50 percent throughout his career too.

Next: Rangers still missing their Stanley Cup winning piece

The Rangers are looking for a good center who shows some sustainability throughout his career. Winnik doesn’t possess that. There are other options out there that the New York Rangers would be much better off pursuing instead.

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