Pierre-Luc Dubois has the No. 1 center spot nailed down.
From there, it's question marks. The Blue Jackets have a lot of players that have played center, but many of those players have spent equal or more time on the wing.
Alexander Wennberg is a center by trade, but if he starts disappointingly, John Tortorella may put him on the wing. He may already be starting the season there.
Nick Foligno is better suited to the wing, but he has played center many times. Boone Jenner is another example of a player that's done both.
Realistically, Wennberg is the only center on the roster with the skill and vision for second-line minutes. Jenner's style of play is better suited for a third or fourth-line role.
If Wennberg struggles, the Blue Jackets may have another trick up their sleeve. Alexandre Texier played as a center before being called up to the NHL. Texier has the skill and speed to center an NHL second line, and he'll have the strength to do it too after his first full NHL offseason.
In fact, Texier is playing center at the Traverse City prospect tournament.
Some #CBJ roster notes from morning skate
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) September 6, 2019
--Looks like Alexandre Texier will play center on the top line with Swedish signee Jakob Lilja and prospect Trey Fix-Wolansky
--Elvis Merzlikins likely to get the game one start this afternoon
--Andrew Peeke and Tim Berni the top D pair
He played impressively in the Blue Jackets' first game, notching a goal in a 6-2 win over the New York Rangers.
Standouts in Rangers vs. Blue Jackets in Traverse City:
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) September 6, 2019
NYR: Zerter-Gossage, Elmer, Newell
CBJ: Maksimovich, Angle, Texier, Korostelev, Fix-Wolansky, Merzlikins
After an exodus of attacking talent, Texier's versatility will help the club significantly in his first full NHL season.
