Blue Line Station
Fansided

New York Rangers: Five teams who can aid the Rangers’ center depth

By Garrett Gartino

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 28: An overview of the fully renovated Madison Square Garden during a game between the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens on October 28, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 28: An overview of the fully renovated Madison Square Garden during a game between the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens on October 28, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 27: Sam Bennett
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 27: Sam Bennett /

Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames are a team in an advantageous position. At the forefront of their center depth is budding all-star Johnny Gaudreau. Gaudreau has solidified his role as the Flames’ top center with three straight seasons of 61 points or more. 

Behind him, they have another young stud in Sean Monahan. Monahan inked a seven-year extension last year, proving the Flames were committed to his development as a key pivot. However, there is serious competition for Calgary’s final two spots on the center depth chart. 

Sam Bennett, a former first-round pick, is the most attractive name of the bunch. He is currently undergoing the strenuous process of his receiving his second NHL contract. There were rumors his rights could be moved at the draft, but nothing ever came to fruition. 

Mikael Backlund is another former first-rounder and is among the oldest Flames centers at 28 years old. Matt Stajan, however, occupies that role at 33 years old. Rounding out their centers are Curtis Lazar and Freddie Hamilton. 

With so many players and only four slots to fill, the Flames could look to move a player before the season begins. 

Home/Analysis