Why not? Normally I'm not for switching positions of a 19 year old rookie in the middle of the season, but right now it is the one area (along with the PP) that is killing the team. Unlike most 19 year old (rookies), Saad has a solid body, an instinctive two-way game, has shown some playmaking ability, and more importantly the intelligence to handle such a switch. Faceoffs are a moot point as we are already as bad as we can possibly get there anyway.
IMO, if Sharp could moonlight as a center I really think that Saad could too (and be above average in time). Although I hate to break up a line that is beyond awesome, it allows us to internally fill a void with filling another void from a position of strength (young wingers). With all the experimentation we've see from Q in the past, this is one that I'd really like him to try.
With our playoff status (and high seed) all but assured, I think we can afford to give it a 5-7 game trial. I really think it's a no-lose situation. Thoughts?
No. Was discuessed in the off-season. He's not a centre, he's a winger.
As I said then, he's smart enough to play centre.. but he belongs on the wing, where he should be developing his power game and can use his speed/size to drive wide on opposing Dmen.
No. Was discuessed in the off-season. He's not a centre, he's a winger.
As I said then, he's smart enough to play centre.. but he belongs on the wing, where he should be developing his power game and can use his speed/size to drive wide on opposing Dmen.
But that was BEFORE we really knew what we had. IMO his play so far has (or should) have changed the outlook entirely. Again, what do we really have to lose (and it doesn't have to be permanent either if another solution is found)?
You realize you're just creating another hole here? Top 6 LW was a huge issue last year, so much Stan even went hard after Parise. That hole is now filled, so let's not **** it up.
But that was BEFORE we really knew what we had. IMO his play so far has (or should) have changed the outlook entirely. Again, what do we really have to lose (and it doesn't have to be permanent either if another solution is found)?
Actually, I knew exactly what we had. I had watched Saad all year the season before and knew he was capable of doing what he's done and was saying so throughout the off-season. Even with what I've seen this year, I stand by what I said in the summer: Brandon Saad is a winger and should continue to be developed as one.
The Hawks don't really have anything to lose, except for screwing with the comfort-level of a kid that has never played centre at any level of hockey that I'm aware of (OHL, AHL, NHL).
EDIT: I don't mean the first part to be kind of snotty or "my opinion rules all" kind of thing, just saying I've watched a lot of Saad over the past year and a half.
Using Sharp as an example for a winger changing to center is not applicable because Sharp was a center before he switched to wing. As far as I know Saad has never played center. Not a good time to have Saad learn the centers defensive assignments in the middle of the season.
Terrible idea. Not only do you screw up a fantastic 1st line but you also ruin the 3rd line by sending Bolland down and perhaps most importantly, force Saad to learn a brand new position at the NHL level.
NO! Let's stop trying to pigeon hole wingers into the C position. Kane, Hossa, Saad, TT, they are wingers and they should remain wingers. Plus your not really fixing anything as doing that just creates another hole. If you move Saad who plays 1st LW, Carcillo, no he is a black hole offensively, Stalberg, could work but now you have ruined the 3rd line. Keep the lines they way they are until you can trade for a actual C then move accordingly.
How about getting a legit #2 C instead trying to fit square pegs into a round hole? That position has been a gaping hole for years, when is it going to get filled? When one of the prospects arrive and show they can handle it?
