Quoting: CD282
You just proved my point.
If you followed the Sens closely you'd know that Batherson hasn't played center in either Belleville or Ottawa, and the fact that you cited sources that also don't know this proves you need better sources.
Batherson isn't a center. Plenty of guys play center in junior but have to shift to winger in order to make it in pro hockey. And to counter your point about having a rookie center his own line in pro hockey, you obviously didn't know that Batherson's center in Belleville was rookie Logan Brown.
LOL. You're knit picking. So I miss wrote when I said "Batherson played both position his whole life", i meant before he turned pro. LOL.
Yes, I know he hasn't played Centre at the ahl or nhl, that is why I said my comment about starting a skinny lanky kid as a centre. (which Brown is not by the way, 6.6, 220 pnds)
You using Brown as point of contradicting my statement is also wrong. You can't compare the two.
1) Pick pedigree:
Brown was a first round pick, esteemed to be a top (A grade prospect), so much so that the Sens traded up for him and gave up a 3rd round JUST to move up ONE spot. LOL.
If YOU had followed Brown's development throughout the last years, you'd realize its been extremely rocky. Sent back to the minors two years in the row after being drafted. Was deemed a HUGE disapointment and the top brass was ready to give up on him and not resign him after his ELC if he didnt show any progress this year. Only in his third year (post draft) has he made sufficient development where the organization finally tasked him with the role that they hoped he'd fill when they drafted him.
Batherson was a 4th round, overager that was considered a project.
2) Size: Batherson had the height but was skinny/lanky and was clearly drafted knowing he had some filling out to do before he could even be considered to play in the ahl.
Brown was a monster from the get go, at 6.6 since draft day and over 200 pounds (he is now 220-230). This drastically affects the way you (the coach and mgmt) feel comfortable playing him Centre as you know he isn't going to get manhandled and injured.
3) Stages of development. Brown has one year of development over Batherson. They may have the same age, but were drafted a year apart, and Brown has been to 3 training camps which provided him with much more access to additional coaching, resources and feedback for his development.
But to be honest, I don't even know why I'm allowing myself to be baited here. This is pointless. Brown is not even a comparable player to Batherson. Apples to orange.
On a different note: I'm a big fan of Troy Mann and how he's coached and helped develop the kids in Bellevile.