The experiment of converting Marcus Johansson back into a center appeared dead on Oct. 1, 2014. That was the day Washington Capitals Coach Barry Trotz moved him back to the wing, where he’s played most of his NHL career.
The breakout season that followed — 20 goals and 27 assists — seemed to solidify that decision. But when centers Jay Beagle and Nicklas Backstrom were injured against Buffalo on Dec. 30 — more than a year after the original experiment ended — Johansson was pressed back into service at center.
With Beagle needing hand surgery and out of the lineup for at least six weeks, the Capitals had an urgent need, and the few center shifts Johansson played against Buffalo impressed Trotz enough to try him there again.