During his junior season at Boston University, Jordan Greenway discovered how advantageous it was to be a 6-6, 226-pound center in the faceoff circle.
"I could just outpower everyone to win a draw,'' the Wild rookie said. "It was pretty easy for me.''
It's not that simple in the NHL, of course. But after moving from wing to center early in training camp, Greenway said he feels comfortable and confident in his new position with the Wild, even as he continues to work on the details. He is expected to center the third line in Thursday's season opener at Colorado, flanked by Charlie Coyle and Joel Eriksson Ek.
The allure of having a massive man in the middle convinced Wild coach Bruce Boudreau to switch Greenway from wing, where he began his NHL career last March. Following Wednesday's practice at TRIA Rink, Boudreau declared him "ready to play'' in his first NHL season opener.
"Some things he's really good at, and some things you just expect a young player to get better at,'' Boudreau said. "He can improve on faceoffs and on a few things in his own zone.
"But distributing the puck, coming up the middle and being strong like that, he's really good at. And I think he's going to get better.''
Greenway, 21, said his game improved dramatically last season when BU coach David Quinn moved him to center. He thrived there, using his size to gain position and outmuscle opponents down low.
In camp, he has been learning the finer points of defensive-zone responsibilities and faceoffs. Teammates have been showing him video and giving him pointers, and he has proved to be a quick study. Boudreau said Greenway will be "formidable'' in the faceoff circle when his strength is complemented by improved quickness, guile and technique.
