Gaudreau is not a center .. and you don't just throw an undersized player who hasn't played center in the center role.
Also what constitutes a center as being a more creative position than a winger?
Well how big was Marcel Dionne? Bratt’s size but heavier probably. How big is Tyler Johnson and some of the other guys who play center for Tampa Bay at times - because they play Johnson at both center and wing as the case may be?
A center has more open ice and carries the puck more and plays in the middle of the ice - he goes down the boards and into the corners to be sure, but ultimately he’s responsible for the middle, from his own slot (defensively and here’s where potential problems are for Bratt) to the offensive slot. He thus has more opportunities to go both directions, right and left, to stop and start and circle back and find the open spots and to carry and distribute the puck.
He’s the forward who’s most responsible for driving puck possession. And puck possession (especially in the neural zone developing plays and offensive zone entries) is one of our biggest weaknesses, as to which he has the potential to make a difference.
Playing center could maximize the return on Bratt’s qualities. No one on the opposition keeps up him (at times) and he’s a pass first guy anyway, great at carrying the puck through center ice and making zone entries. Repeat: he’s a guy who can drive puck possession.
Certainly his presumed unfamiliarity with the position is a problem. Whether he can handle face offs and the defensive responsibilities in our end are also questions. Other issues will occur. But maybe it’s worth a try. If we shifted Seney at center early in the year; if Coleman has played both center and wing for us (especially center last year): then why not Bratt now and then?
