Third-line choice?

Before Tuesday’s doubleheader, Boughner said Florida’s “big decision” would be choosing a third-line center between Nick Bjugstad, Denis Malgin and Jared McCann.

“Is it going to be Bjugstad?” Boughner said. “It is going to Malgin? Is it going to be McCann? We’re trying McCann on the wing as well. Because we got to make sure that we know going into the season when it starts in October, who’s best at what position. So they’re all going to get their chance and they’re all going play center as we move forward.”

On Tuesday, Bjugstad centered McCann and Vrbata in the day’s second game. McCann scored on a fluky play in which a clear attempt ricocheted off him and into the net.

Through the first four days of training camp, Boughner and general manager Dale Tallon lauded McCann as “arguably the best player in training camp so far.” Last year, McCann struggled in 29 NHL games, scoring only one goal and assisting on six others.

Bjugstad is trying to bounce back from a rough season last year where he missed 18 games and only scored seven goals. He scored 55 in the previous three seasons combined.

Malgin, 20, scored six goals in 47 games during his rookie season last year.

The Panthers were off Wednesday and return to practice today at the IceDen in Coral Springs. New acquisition Jamie McGinn is expected to join the club Thursday. Florida’s next preseason game is Sunday in Tampa Bay.

mdefranks@ sun-sentinel.com; On Twitter @MDeFranks.