Since we are discussing wingers playing their off-wing, and whether that is stupid, feasible or advantageous, I will just leave this little tidbit here:
Quote:
One thing to notice is that I’m a left-handed shot playing the right wing here. That might seem like a small thing, but it’s actually a huge deal. I started my career as a left winger, so I was always receiving passes with the puck outside my body, away from the net. If you’re a playmaker, you might prefer this. I didn’t know how big of a difference this made until I got traded to Pittsburgh. Dan Bylsma walked in the first day and asked, “Hey, do you think you could play right wing?”
I’m like, “Uh, well I’ve never played it before, so I’m not sure?”
He says, “Okay great, you’re playing right wing.”
Once I got used to it, I really elevated my game, because whenever I shot the puck on my forehand, the release point was closer to the net. I was a threat at all times, especially on one-timers. I ended up scoring 40 goals the next season. So whenever a guy switches wings, it has a lot of implications for how he plays. (Thanks, Dan. You were one of the best teachers I’ve ever had.)
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http://www.theplayerstribune.com/jam...dators-sniper/
Edit: My thoughts - You don't move Johnny to his off-wing because he is a really good playmaker. Someone who is more of a sniper - or expected to be more of a sniper - might work. Tkachuk would probably be good there, though his passing is so underrated (he has great vision). So, it depends what you think Tkachuk is.
I would rather keep Tkachuk on the 2nd line LW spot to play with Bennet, and that way you have two highly-talented guys who can make plays with one another. Plug-in the 'sniper' or the 'puck digger' or the 'defensive presence' or whatever that line ends up needing on the right side, without thought to which way he shoots.