As a winger, I think he was imagined as a speedy, up-and-down crash-and-bang guy, but I don't think he has the speed for that. He also doesn't really have the skills to be a finesse winger. After that, his size and his defensive acumen make him an ideal center.
Perhaps, but his actual performance as a center leaves much to be desired. Meanwhile, his actual performance as a winger has been satisfactory.
A winger does not have to score 100 points. Last season, Goodrow was 7th on the Sharks in 5V5 P/60. That’s perfectly adequate for a 4th line winger who is as strong defensively as he is.
He can play a Hertl type role on the 4th line, taking the majority of faceoffs, and play his physical brand of hockey next to a more skilled, shifty, and elusive natural center, such as Rourke Chartier.