If Parker Kelly successfully transitions to center like they’re trying to do, is there any chance PEB makes the team? Or will the injuries help enough?
My guess is that with the one way contract, Kelly is the best bet for 4C to start the season, and PEB will be battling with Wagner for a 13th forward role.
But I'm not seeing a lot of 4C competition outside of Wagner. They won't keep Ritchie in the NHL to play on the 4th line, and Pavel is injured again.
Then there's guys like Tynan, Foudy, and Ivan who are still fringe NHLers, and aren't 4th line types anyway. I think they might try Kovalenko at 4C before them.
So ideally I think they'd like to have Kelly at 4C, PEB as 13th forward, and send Wagner down to be one of the first callups, to give them some depth. Or maybe keep Wags and send down Belly if he'll take a two way deal.
Injuries would only increase Belly's chances, but I think it might need to be a center. If wingers get injured, they have a lot more options.