The Tampa Bay Lightning made some splashes this free agency to boost the roster all around for next season following some significant losses.
However, there may be no other position group now better suited than the center core. It is a deep lineup that could very well be the strength of this Lightning team.
Aside from the core that remains on the team from the previous 2022-23 season, Tampa Bay made two signings in the free agent market at the center spot.
The team signed both Luke Glendening (former Dallas Star) and Logan Brown (former St. Louis Blue). Glendening got a two-year, $800,000 contract, while Brown received a two-way contract worth $775,000.
Both players do not stand out in the points department. Each had six a piece last season. Brown did not play a whole lot for St. Louis as he only played in 30 games. But, he is young a work in progress that can be slotted in and out of the Syracuse Crunch and Lightning lineup.
As for Glendening, he is not going to be used for his scoring ability as he is now 36-years-old. He more so is going to be utilized for his ability in the defensive zones and on face-offs.
Defense was something the Bolts needed to get out of this free agency and they now have a player who helped the Stars get the best face-off win percentage of any NHL team last season (54.8%).
These two add depth lower in the lineup to an already stacked rotation of Tampa Bay centers from last season. Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, and Mikey Eyssimont round out the other four centers on the roster.
Cirelli had a lesser season in 2022-23 with 29 points, but he is expected to get more ice time behind Stamkos and Point. Last season, Cirelli missed the first few months of the season after having shoulder surgery in the summer.
Eyssimont had an active postseason for a player that was brand new to the team in a trade from the San Jose Sharks. An extension this offseason implies lots of confidence the Lightning have in him going forward.
Stamkos and Point speak for themselves as arguably the two of the best players on the team who will be at the front of this loaded position group.
There is a lot of depth and variety with the centers in Tampa Bay. You have the experience of some players within the organization like Stamkos, Point, Cirelli, etc. You also have newcomers that can bring an edgy, defensive side to running the position like Glendening.
It will be exciting to see this group in the 2023-24 season.