Soooo.... was MacKinnon not generally fairly awesome on RW then?
No denying that, as his best stretches all came at RW where is isn't as responsible for defense, and/or creating for his line-mates.
Playoffs? RW
Worlds? RW
First 30 or so games of his second season? RW
About 60% of his rookie season, which includes his record breaking point streak? RW
There is no denying it, but RW is also the easier position, and in all of those scenarios he had a play-making center that has a strong two-way component to their game. That includes RNH.
The only other major circumstance where he succeeded at center is with Drouin in the Memorial Cup.
So what does that tell you? I think it means he can work at both, but RW is easier, and at C he needs someone intelligent.
Another little detail? RW, or at C, all of his success has come from having chemistry with whoever is on his left side. That's not all that surprising considering he is right handed though. However I think it's just another aspect that points to him playing a more instinctual game, rather than a game based on his decision making.
So regardless of what position he plays moving forward, they need to find this Ferrari its driver, or we'll never realize his potential IMO.
Best chance we have is Jost at LW IMO (intelligent two way player). I'd say Mikko, but hes better at RW, which is why I always thought Mikko would end up clicking with Duchene. Guess what we are seeing the last couple of games? Glimpses of chemistry between Duchene and Mikko.
One more thing. If we move MacK to center right now, today. Who do we have that can play that two way play-making style on this roster? Duchene? Those are not his strongest areas. Soderberg? Bednar can't stand him, but he'd probably be the closest you get. After that the only other two-way playmaker we have is Grigorenko lol.
I don't know what the answer is, but there isn't a obvious path of least resistance that I can see for this season.