The Komets may have their top three centers for the upcoming season after re-signing Danny Lapointe on Wednesday.

Last season, the 26-year-old faceoff specialist had six goals and 16 points in 36 games with Fort Wayne after playing the first half of the season in Europe.

“Danny was a good find for us last season,” general manager David Franke said. “He came in and solidified our third line. Let’s see what he can do in a full season with the Komets.”

Lapointe will join Colin Chaulk and Brett Smith as Fort Wayne’s likely centers this season.

“I think we’re still looking for another couple top scoring forwards and that could include another centerman,” Franke said. “But we’re strong down the middle, and that’s very important to be that way. I could see us adding a couple kids to give them an opportunity, though.

“And I want to stress again, signing now means you’re coming to camp, but you’ve still got to earn your job. There will be competition for jobs.”

The Komets also re-signed forward Tom Mele, 25, who was scoreless in two playoff games with the Komets last spring after completing his collegiate career at American International. And rookie forward Jordy Trottier, 22, was added to the fold.

“Mele is a good kid. He wasn’t a problem at all and he brought some jump to the game,” Franke said. “He has an aggressive style of play, is a good skater. I think he’s a kid that’s got a real good chance of staying with the team. He’s aggressive and up-tempo. He’s not afraid of traffic. Now we need to see if he can produce offensively.”

Trottier had three assists in 21 games last season with Bentley University. The nephew of NHL Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier, Jordy Trottier was an accomplished scorer in the North American Hockey League, tallying 18 goals and 46 points in 56 games with Mahoning Valley in 2008-09.

The Komets have 12 players under contract for their 60th season, including seven who played with the team last season when they reached the Turner Conference semifinals.

jcohn@jg.net