There are a number of noted players who saw success converting from defence to forward including Dustin Penner and Red Kelly. Can Mailloux make the transition? If you have the ability to re-watch this year's AHL All Star game you can see Mailloux's suitability/potential as a forward. That game game was played in the distortive 3 on 3 format where mobility is at a premium and each player largely assumes a rover approach. Unshackled from his normal defensive responsibilities and positioning, Mailloux, who was able to receive the puck in open ice and while in motion, was easily one of the more impressive players in the game. He was able to push the play on almost every shift using his combination of elite playmaking ability, reach and, rangy style of skating. Mailloux's limitation is a lack of first/second step acceleration that adversely affects his ability to both elude forechecking pressure and effectively execute man on man defensive coverage in his own zone. He struggles at the AHL level, and will be exploited in the NHL.
The object of good coaching is to place a player in the best position where he can both succeed personally and help his team. To this writer, that would be to convert this offensively gifted player to forward where he would be receiving the puck in motion and be able to use his size, skill, shot, vision and mobility to effectively attack opponents in the offensive end. Maybe its just this old sailor, but such a conversion seems very obvious. I would be surprised if Hughes and Co. haven't considered same.
