The St. Louis Blues made several trades of consequence this offseason, and perhaps the most important one was the transaction that sent Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a package centered around Connor McMichael. McMichael has since signed his six-year, $6.75-million AAV extension, and the Blues are arguably worse off with Kyrou gone.
One way to recoup some of that value? If McMichael is able to play down the middle.
The history
Like many prospects in their draft year, McMichael was listed as a center and played down the middle on his junior team, the OHL's London Knights. As an NHL player, however, McMichael was mostly stuck to the wing, a common career progression for many young players as they transition to the NHL. Even Kyrou, who went the other way in the trade, was listed as a center at various points in his career and ultimately became a wing.
As a member of the Washington Capitals, McMichael rarely--if ever--played down the middle. Judging by the way the Blues view him, he seems unlikely to ever be used as a center, similar to Dylan Holloway.
The fit
Just because it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. If the Blues are beset with a rash of injuries again, then perhaps McMichael gets a look at center. It would take a lot of injuries, though, considering the Blues' current center depth.
The wildcard is Mason McTavish. He was drafted as a center and, by all accounts, acquired by the Blues to play center. It's worth noting, however, that McTavish was often thrown to the wings while playing for the Anaheim Ducks--coaches couldn't trust him defensively, and his skating was a real hindrance. If he continues to struggle at center, that opens the door for McMichael to maybe be given a shot down the middle if head coach Jim Montgomery decides there are no better options.
Don't hold your breath for McMichael playing center, but there's always a chance.
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