---
title: "Three Elite UFA Centers Remain After Coyle Extension"
description: "Charlie Coyle's six-year deal in Columbus thins the free agent market. Who's left?"
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/three-pending-ufa-nhl-centers-after-charlie-coyle-re-signs-w-mp2w5h09
published: 2026-05-16T03:57:08.088614+00:00
updated: 2026-05-16T14:03:16.481087+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["hockey"]
---

# Three Elite UFA Centers Remain After Coyle Extension

> Charlie Coyle's six-year deal in Columbus thins the free agent market. Who's left?

Charlie Coyle's six-year contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets removes him from the upcoming unrestricted free agent class, leaving just three top-tier centers available on the open market.

The 32-year-old pivot, who posted 15 goals and 22 assists last season, chose stability over testing free agency, a decision that reshapes the landscape for teams hunting for a No. 1 or No. 2 center this summer.

With Coyle off the board, the remaining elite UFA centers are a short list: Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm, and Sean Monahan.

Stamkos, the Tampa Bay Lightning captain, is the crown jewel—a proven 40-goal scorer with playoff pedigree.

Lindholm, a two-way force, and Monahan, a resurgent scorer, offer different skill sets but similar demand.

Each will command significant cap space and term.

The ripple effect is immediate.

Teams like the Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, and Detroit Red Wings, all in need of center depth, now face a thinner pool.

Expect bidding wars to intensify, driving up contract values.

General managers must act decisively or pivot to trade options.

This scarcity also pressures teams to overpay for second-tier options or explore trades for players like Mark Scheifele or Ryan O'Reilly.

The Bruins, for instance, have cap flexibility but lack a true top-line center after Patrice Bergeron's retirement.

Nashville, with young stars like Filip Forsberg, needs a veteran pivot to anchor their second line.

Detroit, rebuilding under Steve Yzerman, could use Monahan's scoring touch to accelerate their playoff push.

Historical precedent suggests that when UFA center supply tightens, contracts often exceed market value by 10-15%.

Stamkos, at 34, may still command $8-9 million annually, while Lindholm and Monahan could fetch $6-7 million each.

Teams that miss out may be forced into trade deadline rentals or bridge deals with restricted free agents, further distorting the market.

What's next: The remaining three UFAs will dominate trade deadline chatter and July 1 negotiations, with Stamkos likely setting the market ceiling.

## Why this matters

Coyle's extension tightens an already shallow UFA center market. For teams like the Bruins or Predators, who lack a true top-six pivot, the stakes just rose. Stamkos, Lindholm, and Monahan become the only game in town—and their price tags will reflect that scarcity. This isn't just about one player; it's about how the entire league's roster construction shifts when supply dries up. Expect aggressive trade talks or overpays on July 1.

## Frequently asked

### Who are the three remaining top UFA centers?

Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm, and Sean Monahan are the only elite unrestricted free agent centers left after Charlie Coyle re-signed with Columbus.

### Why did Charlie Coyle choose to re-sign with Columbus?

Coyle opted for a six-year extension with the Blue Jackets, prioritizing stability and a long-term role over testing the open market.

### Which teams are most likely to pursue these UFAs?

The Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, and Detroit Red Wings are strong candidates, each needing center depth and possessing cap space.

### How does this affect the trade deadline?

With fewer UFA options, teams may pivot to trade targets like Mark Scheifele or Ryan O'Reilly, driving up acquisition costs.

## Sources & Citations

- [Three Pending UFA NHL Centers After Charlie Coyle Re-Signs With Blue Jackets](https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/three-pending-ufa-nhl-centers-after-charlie-coyle-re-signs-with-blue-jackets) — The Hockey News (2026-05-12)

---

Cite: Three Elite UFA Centers Remain After Coyle Extension. Sportopod, 2026-05-16. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/three-pending-ufa-nhl-centers-after-charlie-coyle-re-signs-w-mp2w5h09