One great thing about JVR playing center is he won't be hurt as much as playing wing, no grinding and getting hit against the boards when you play center. That should help the kid focus on plying better than healing from frequent injuries. Who knows, this kid could blossom playing center and become HUGE for the Leafs.
So Burke has already acquired the #1 center in JVR.
He mind (frank)ed you guys. - robin_steele264
Things to take into consideration.
Lupul
Lupul was considered to be a highly touted prospect. He was so highly thought of, that he was traded for Chris Pronger, multiple times. After finally recovering from his back problems, it seemed like Lupul's talent was gone in Anaheim and he was shipped out as a salary dump in part of the Beauchemin for Gardiner trade. Lupul immediately paid dividends.
why?
Playing where he should've been. In Anaheim, Lupul was placed on the third line because he was considered a Right Winger. Having Perry and Teemu Selanne on the team, Lupul was designated to play the third line. Even Carlyle said, he never considered putting Lupul on Left Wing.
JVR might be the same, we don't know. A highly touted prospect, who's been forced into an unnatural role due to the depth of centres that the Flyers have.
It's not like converting Kaberle to center here... it's a guy who used to play it, who didn't play it because he was on a team stacked at center, and who now has a chance to go back to his original position.
Let's not write him off before he gets a chance. - Feeling Glucky?
Lupul was considered to be a highly touted prospect. He was so highly thought of, that he was traded for Chris Pronger, multiple times. After finally recovering from his back problems, it seemed like Lupul's talent was gone in Anaheim and he was shipped out as a salary dump in part of the Beauchemin for Gardiner trade. Lupul immediately paid dividends.
why?
Playing where he should've been. In Anaheim, Lupul was placed on the third line because he was considered a Right Winger. Having Perry and Teemu Selanne on the team, Lupul was designated to play the third line. Even Carlyle said, he never considered putting Lupul on Left Wing.
JVR might be the same, we don't know. A highly touted prospect, who's been forced into an unnatural role due to the depth of centres that the Flyers have. - ILoveLamp
He doesn't need to be a hit-everything-that-moves centre like Getzlaf to be effective. If he can play strong on the puck like Sundin did and create longer puck possession, he can be effective as well.
So exciting that I would rather talk about the alumni games. This will be the true point of interest! Leafs should get Gartner, Anderson, Sundin, Courtnall, Leeman, Iafrate, and anyone else who can still skate. Corson, Neiuwendyk, Roberts, and Domi! Salming too! Eddie O!!! Damphousse!!! Let's cream those Wings!!!! Ya!!!! - Old Pappy
One great thing about JVR playing center is he won't be hurt as much as playing wing, no grinding and getting hit against the boards when you play center. That should help the kid focus on plying better than healing from frequent injuries. Who knows, this kid could blossom playing center and become HUGE for the Leafs. - hooligoon
....so instead of the constant board battles he'll get the bigass open ice hits, sorta like mitchell on toews.
I have no problem with trying him at centre, but to avoid injury wouldn't be high on my list of reasons.
One great thing about JVR playing center is he won't be hurt as much as playing wing, no grinding and getting hit against the boards when you play center. That should help the kid focus on plying better than healing from frequent injuries. Who knows, this kid could blossom playing center and become HUGE for the Leafs. - hooligoon
Until Schenn knocks him flat into next season on the open ice with his head down
Location: Bernier is better than Reimer, Reimer is better than Bernier - #TOproblems, ON Joined: 06.08.2012
Jul 11 @ 4:50 PM ET
He doesn't need to be a hit-everything-that-moves centre like Getzlaf to be effective. If he can play strong on the puck like Sundin did and create longer puck possession, he can be effective as well. - p_zub
This. Lets say somehow he does do well as our #1C, being able to shield the puck and hold longer possession in the offensive end, that will do wonders for Kessel and Lupul, spending more time in the offensive zone and less time in the defensive zone will mean more goals for that line and less goals against since they wont have to defend all that much. Thats why i think a big bodied #1C is what the leafs need most.
