The Kids
Fellow 2017 first round draft picks Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil have their work cut out for them. The expectation for Chytil is for him to become nothing less than the team’s number one center in a few seasons. Andersson will ideally pan out to be a second or third line center.
If the organizations intends to have both ultimately end up as centers during (hopefully) their future Stanley Cup contending years, then it behoove them to keep both youngsters there.
As mentioned above, there is a slight log-jam above them in the form of Zibanejad and Hayes. The straightforward solution would be to simply slot Chytil and Andersson in at third and fourth line centers, respectively. However, I don’t think that’s the best solution, as neither position really fits either player.
While a defensive role does suit Andersson, his two way play makes him seem like the ideal fit for the third line. The ice time he would receive on the fourth line is not conducive to his growth at this point in his career.
If that were to be his destination, then a stint on Hartford’s top line would arguably be more useful. I think someone like Boo Nieves would be better suited to the fourth line center job.
So, if Andersson slots in at number three, then what does the team do with Chytil? The young Czech’s skillset and mindset beg for him to be in a top-six role. There certainly is an argument for lining him on the wing next season so he can get those top-six minutes.
Similarly, instead of Chytil shifting to wing, Hayes could rotate out of center, although historically he has been much less effective and engaged on the wing, at least in the NHL. Hayes did play wing in college and succeeded there albeit playing with skilled players.