I agree that with most of what you are saying and if Matheson absolutely can not play the right side then I agree that trading him might be the best move as long as the return is really good.
Having played both sides I can tell you that the difference isn't about different patterns or mindsets as they are identically mirrored problem solving exercises. The only issue is that when you are on the off hand you are forced to pass from you backhand through the middle of the ice where you are less accurate, less confident and are not able to get the same zip on the pass or elevate it with any consistency. You are also forced to use your feet far more due to the backhand options being too risky and either needing to buy time and space or to deftly manoeuvre to your forehand which create further opportunities to get hammered or to turn the puck over. The switch hitting comparison doesn't work at all as you are still using the same mechanics whereas in baseball your arms are performing/synchronizing very dissimilar actions and combining them into a singular action. The comparable in hockey would be if Matheson/Guhle switched to shooting right handed when moving to the right side which is not going to happen.
Fair enough with switch hitting, my point was understanding the pitch route and as it is viewed by the batter..
You are absolutely correct that the right/left side is a mirror inage of the pathways/routes on the ice... using yourself as an example, your ability to play bith wings or both sides of the ice (however) has nithibg to do with options from backhand to forehand (but rather) how to accurately read the positioning necessary to accomplish the task..
Not all players can play both (is my point) as it is a function of utilizing the creative side of the brain to work in unicen with mirror imaging... nothing to do with how "good" the athlete is..
If it were that easy, then there would never be a need to draft D according to their shot.
To quip: bith Guhle and Matheson are definately NOT (and should not) play the right side..
Effectively, we are taking a great player (definitive top 2) and placing them on their "weak" side in hopes (only) they can fill the void.. it doesnt work, unless they've been doing it their whole lives.. ask yourself if Guhle was a top 2 D on the Left side, but a top 4 D on the right, with a few blind spots that cause injury - would you consider that asset management? I would think not - hence why I am adament, we are NOTHING until (and if) oyr RHD prospects fulfill their potential.. thats a lot of risk/pressure on Reinbacher/Mailloux and LHD Guhle..
If we are trading Guhle is a RHD, then we will get the equivalent return of a top 4 Dman.. but he is a top pair LHD.. this is why Matheson should be the asset moved to build and solidify our D.
Edit add* i equate playing both positions would be similar to playing Treble / Clef R/L and vice versa Clef/Treble L/R on the piano... some incredible pianists could only play one way.. the reason Guhle is playing RD is because the HABS are PATHETIC at RD, and are scrambling at anything to plug the hole. We are puting Guhle at risk playing him on his "weak" side. This insanity has to stop.
Why fake what we are? Why keep Matheson as our LHD1 in some attempt to make everyone think we have a 60pt pmd 1LD? BS. Play our game.. we can be a left heavy D, but id rather play 100% from the Leftside, than 80% from each..
Cmon guys.. the NHL is way beyond the old days of "heart" or "farm boy"... every single position has a depth 3 deep, and every single depth player is ready to replace each other in the ladder.. there is no more draft for top 12, hope they are a top 6, but happy to have then as a bottom 6. You draft accordinging need, according to your depth weaknesses (rnd 4-7).. if you are drafting a top line player, that is the measuring stick - 1st liner.. (bottom half of 1st round) you draft 2nd liners, not 1st line (sneakers), though you hope for that..
After 2 rounds, you are not drafting for 1st line talent, at all.... bottom 6, bottom 2, black aces, AHL talent... this where a lot of pro teams eff up in drafting... after the first 2 rounds, everything else is depth appropriate.