Chicago Blackhawks: Marcus Kruger Belongs at Center or in Rockford

Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is willing to break up his line combinations at the drop of a hat. From game to game, even period by period.

Here's a suggestion for Quenneville's next shuffling of the deck: deal Marcus Kruger back into the middle. If Kruger can't handle centering duties, send him to Rockford.

Kruger has spent time on the second, third and fourth lines for stretches this season. A case could be made for him on each of those lines, but only as a center.

Kruger was between Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp and the 'Hawks did alright. If Quenneville wants to utilize Dave Bolland there, fine. Just get your rookie Swede into the middle of one of the lower lines.

Kruger's strengths lay in his rink sense and passing ability. He is a natural center, yet he has been relagated to time on Brendan Morrison's wing. Morrison is fine on the checking line, but Kruger is far from the type to benefit from the veteran center's passes.

Jamal Mayers, based on his ability to win faceoffs, currently centers the fourth line. If Quenneville wants to let Mayers keep taking draws, okay. However, wouldn't Kruger be better off dishing to Mayers and whomever winds up on that line this weekend?

With the 'Hawks having to outscore opponents, is it really a good idea to put a smallish puck distributor on the wing and expect him to finish plays? I could think of several in-house options that might bear more fruit on the checking line.

Morrison can hold down the middle of the third line if Bolland is up with Hossa and Sharp right now. Brunette gives him some decent hands to work with. How about a legitimate wing on the other side?

If you're wondering if I'd prefer the embattled Bryan Bickell in that spot over Kruger, the answer is yes.

Bickell is no offensive juggernaut, but he's been playing pretty well defensively. The position of wing is well stocked with guys who can play third- or fourth-line minutes without turning to a player talked up as a center with great hockey sense.

The notion is out there that a big forward like Jimmy Hayes could be recalled and spark the club. I don't feel like Hayes is the physical marauder some perceive him to be. That said, Hayes or Jeremy Morin might be preferable on the wing to Kruger, who isn't developing in that position.

If you want another guy to come up and bang on the lower lines, take Phillipe Paradis for a spin or two.

Kruger is a center, pure and simple. If he can't center a line right now in Chicago, have him polish his act further down I-90 for the Ice Hogs.