Last year both Anthony Beauvillier and Mathew Barzal made the New York Islanders roster heading into the season. Both of them, natural centers, had to scratch and claw to get into the lineup and especially Beauvillier was playing out of position most of the time.
As it stands right now, assuming that Mathew Barzal makes the team, John Tavares, Brock Nelson, Casey Cizikas, Anthony Beavillier and Mathew Barzal are all natural centers. Not all of them will be playing their normal position.
Beauvillier said to Brian Compton that he will play where ever he is asked to play but he’d prefer to play center.