New York will be eyeing second-year centers Filip Chytil, Brett Howden and Lias Andersson to fill that role; another candidate is Ryan Strome, who had 33 points (18 goals, 15 assists) in 63 games with the Rangers last season after they acquired him in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers for center Ryan Spooner on Nov. 16.
Chytil had 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 75 games playing primarily on the wing last season. He turns 20 on Sept. 5. Howden, 21, was mainly a bottom-six center and had 23 points (six goals, 17 assists) in 66 games. Andersson, 20, struggled after being recalled from Hartford of the American Hockey League. He had six points (two goals, four assists) in 42 games playing mostly on the fourth line.
New York president John Davidson didn't rule out the possibility Kakko could be used at center even though he was drafted as a right wing.
"A lot of people think he can play center and be a very good one," Davidson said.