Front of net is different than side of net, where many smaller guys with good hands hang out for a pass/quick shot.
The ideal front of net guy is strong enough to anchor when a D-man tries to shove him out of the way.
As Beef and I pointed out, Simmonds was a "freak," guy was hard to move despite his relative lack of mass. And had great hands for the deflection.
The key for front of net guys is they distract the goalie, and create more traffic when a defenseman tried and fails to dislodge them.
Side of net guys are dangerous, but don't provide screens that cause goalies to lose sight of pucks.
Lindblom may grow into that role, unfortunately JVR and Voracek don't seem to function well there.
Too bad Allison can't stay healthy, he'd have potential in that role, and I expect them to groom Ratcliffe as he fills out.