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Pittsburgh Penguins: Top Centre Free Agents to Go After

By Matthew Rodrigopulle |
Jun 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz (4) celebrates his goal with center Sidney Crosby (87) and right wing Patric Hornqvist (72) against the Nashville Predators during the first period in game five of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz (4) celebrates his goal with center Sidney Crosby (87) and right wing Patric Hornqvist (72) against the Nashville Predators during the first period in game five of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Heading into free agency, it’s easy to see that the Pittsburgh Penguins most important hole that needs filling is depth down the middle.

Obviously Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin fill in the first two centre roles for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but there is still uncertainty down the middle.

Nick Bonino is an upcoming unrestricted free agent. If he chooses not to sign with the Penguins, there is an evident hole to fill. As we count down the days to free agency, let’s see who our top options are for the centre position.

Mar 21, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton (19) carries the puck into the Minnesota Wild zone during the first period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton (19) carries the puck into the Minnesota Wild zone during the first period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Thornton

Jumbo Joe would be a great addition to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is capable of being a number one centre, but with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin already filling our #1 and #2 spots, he could be the best third line centre in the league.

The problem though is his age and his contract. Thornton is 37 years old and will surely be looking to sign a three year contract. At his age, he is only declining, and the last thing we would want on our hands is a bad contract. If we can get him for one year, he would be an ideal addition to our team.

He is still chasing his first Stanley Cup championship. We can bring that to him. Perhaps this could intrigue him to take a discount. Either way, it doesn’t look too promising that Thornton can be a Penguin.

Jun 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators left wing James Neal (18) and center Mike Fisher (12) react after an empty net goal by Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Carl Hagelin (not pictured) in the third period in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators left wing James Neal (18) and center Mike Fisher (12) react after an empty net goal by Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Carl Hagelin (not pictured) in the third period in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Fisher

Mike Fisher took his Nashville Predators to the Finals this year and he may be looking to stay with the team. But this is only if the Penguins don’t try to steal him away.

Fisher may be 37 years old but he is still having productive seasons. This season, he scored 42 points in 72 games. This is still very impressive for a guy of his age. He could be a very effective third line centre on our team if he signs here. He may fit in here better than expected.

Mar 28, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Brian Boyle (24) skates on the ice during the second period of a 3-2 win over Florida Panthers at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Brian Boyle (24) skates on the ice during the second period of a 3-2 win over Florida Panthers at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Bryan Boyle

Other than our third line centre spot, our fourth line centre may be open for the taking as well. Enter Bryan Boyle, who may be one of the most effective fourth line centres in the league.

Next: Pittsburgh Penguins: What Ryan Reaves Brings to the Team

He is a big guy, has tremendous penalty-killing skills, and key faceoff abilities makes him a coveted forward. He is also decent at offence, putting up about 20 points each season. Boyle can be a perfect fit for the Penguins and he would only boost our defensive play even more.

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