Thrashers will try Chris Thorburn at center

The Thrashers see something in Chris Thorburn.

They see a 6-foot-3, 230-pound right wing who can be more than a fourth-line role player in the NHL. They see a player capable of sliding to his right and playing the center position.

There have been other, more notable, position changes during the first week of training camp. Dustin Byfuglien has moved back to defense. Bryan Little has moved back to center. However, Thorburn spent the first three days of camp playing center. He has been back at wing the past two days. It's all part of a cross-training plan.

"We think he can be a center," coach Craig Ramsay said. "He could be that grinding middle centerman. He's actually quite talented, so we feel comfortable putting him in both positions, and we'd like for him to get a feel for both positions. You never know, with injuries. We feel he can do it. He's got good hands, and he can move the puck. With his size and commitment he would be a hard guy to play against. We could use another big centerman as well."

Thorburn estimates he played about seven games as a center for AHL Rochester. That’s the extent of his experience. “As far as the pro ranks go, it’s not very much,” Thorburn said.

Ramsay said he first got the notion of trying Thorburn at center while watching some of the pickup games during voluntary workouts before the start of training camp. He said he noticed Thorburn’s vision and puck-handling ability.

Plus, he had another person's opinion to work with.

"I have a pretty good hockey guy around me in [general manager Rick] Dudley, who informed me he thinks he could do it," Ramsay said. "If he says so, I believe him. So we are tying to give him a bit of a look."

Dudley said he thinks Thorburn is capable of providing more scoring. He had 13 points (four goals, nine assists) last season.

After a few days of training camp, Thorburn had a new-found admiration for his fellow centers.

"I told Jimmy Slater, I gained a lot more respect for the centermen," Thorburn said. "They are going up and down, side to side. It's definitely a position where you have to be sharp. … I'm not sure exactly what's in mind or what's in store. I'm trying to take every opportunity and do my best where I'm playing."

Etc.