Interesting take. Completely disagree with it but interesting nonetheless.
So....let’s make our franchise center a winger? Not sure I agree
I'm not so sure either. After seeing Gaudreau be so easily squeezed in the playoffs, perhaps it actually is better for Pettersson to play at center. He will have the puck more in this position and he's really the guy that should have the puck the most, at the end of the line. Pettersson is defensively involved, Gaudreau is not.
It's a silly suggestion.
I'd rather have him as our #1C instead of our #1RW with 10 extra points(which I doubt, but just for the sake of his argument let's go with this)
That would be like the Sharks moving Burns from defense to winger full time, he'd produce more offense but he's way more valuable eating up big minutes effectively at a premium position.
While I understand your argument, I don't agree with the preposition. Switching from D to winger is not the same thing as switching from winger to center, or vice versa. But I agree it might be an error to switch him back to winger again. If he has the qualities a center requires, he should play center, because he'll have the puck more and be more involved in the game. I'm inclined to accept his practice time on face offs might be worth it.
I refrain from my own argument, ok?
On another note, I'm stoked to see Pettersson in this year's world championship. The Swedish lineup is thin this year, because of many injuries and contract situations. Pettersson has a key role to play and I think this will be a good challenge for him in his career, to grow as a player. He will face really good teams, but he will also play hockey in "the Swedish way" that suits him (mobility, puck movement). It will also be on big ice, which should only help him get more room for his shot.
Markström joining the squad, competing with Lundqvist for the #1 role (I'm a huge Lundqvist fan, but at this point of their careers I must say Markström should deserve it) is also interesting. Sadly Edler couldn't join.
What Loui Eriksson will do on the national team will be interesting. Is he done in his career, is he just stuck in a role that doesn't suit him (despite of his bloated contract), or what? If he can play in his classic role as a crease roamer with good teammates, what will happen? I'm also sad Edler couldn't join. He will be missed, because you know what you get with this guy.