Potential Offseason Moves at Center for the Florida Panthers

Its obvious the Florida Panthers need help up front in the upcoming 2009-2010 season. This off season should be quite interesting once the playoffs are over and we find out what clubs are going to do with certain big names and quality role/depth players. Center has been one position that Jacques Martin has repeatedly said needs to be addressed and I couldn't agree more. Nathan Horton needs to move back to the wing and focus more on shooting than the defensive responsibilities that come with playing center. I am still holding out hope that Horton does become the 35+ goal every year that his skill level gives us reason to believe that feat is possible.

A few names that stick out at the center position (keeping in mind the right type of player for the right kind of money is important) are as follows:

Dominic Moore - Buffalo Sabres UFA
Great two-way guy who will not be a defensive liability. True leader for a Buffalo squad that has always had a blue collar attitude. Some think he will never be more than a solid checking center but given the opportunity to play with better players I think his passing skills could help out up front.
Price: Will more than likely go for some where between $1 Million - $2 Million per year.

Marty Reasoner - Atlanta Thrashers UFA
Saw him a whole bunch last season and this guy can win face offs and plays well against opposing centers. Can also play the wing. You know what kind of player you're getting with him and because of his age, 32, you don't have to worry about him seeking a long term contract.
Price: Same $1 Million - $2 Million per year price range.

Mike Comrie - Ottawa Senators UFA
A season removed from being a consistent 20+ goal scorer. Speedster who has the ability to score and to catch defence men napping with great passes. Can be streaky at times but that may have something to do with playing for 4 different teams over the past 3 years.
Price: His offensive production dropped off last year which will probably have him in the $2.5 Million - $3 Million per season range.

Jason Williams - Columbus Blue Jackets UFA
Boarder line top six forward who can man the point on the power play. Capable of dishing out monster hits and is also capable of playing the wing. One of my favorite players for a while now whose offensive prowess will make players around him better.
Price: Could be had for a price tag similar to his $2.2 Million per year salary he made last year.

A lot of the Panthers off season will depend on Jay Bouwemeester, which sadly to say will probably sign else where. If by God's grace he decides to return then the help up front could be hard to have via free agency. Horton will have to play better next year. Along with Rostislav Olesz who missed most of last season with a sports hernia. Olesz will have to live up to his contract which he hasn't yet. Continued growth from David Booth, Stephen Weiss and Michael Frolik will be needed. On paper the youngsters on this team have plenty of offensive skill set and maybe a few veterans will help bring that out.