[SuperMatt18]

As the season has progressed 3 names continue to stand out to me as potential center targets...Cozens, Pinto, and Mercer.

There has been more than enough discussion about Cozens, but I wonder if the narrative around the other two has changed at all.

Mercer has had an okay start to the season (11 points in 21 games), but continues to not be used as a center for them and has been demoted from the top 6 and is playing 3rd line RW.

I've heard some rumours the relationship between player and team was a bit strained due to the offseason contract negotiation (player wanted a bigger top 6 role and didn't love being bridged) and wonder if 3rd line role starts to re-open that up a bit.

Pinto is playing 3rd line center for Ottawa right now and isn't getting regular powerplay time. Norris is healthy and has had a good start to the season (8 goals, 13 points in 18 games), Stutzle is a bonafide top line center, and there are rumors the Sens would like both Greig, and Ostapchuk to get more looks at center.

Pinto hasn't had a great start (4 points in 10 games) so maybe there is more openness to moving him now too with Norris, Greig, and Ostapchuk all in the mix in Ottawa.

(I remember there was some discussion about Norris as a cap dump due to his play / injuries in the offseason and too bad Flames didn't look at that.)