OK, who would have been the center during the Sundin years ?
They had nobody that was worthy at the time.
If the Leafs had pegged Sundin on the wing, they would have redirected their efforts to get a centreman instead of endless wingers.
They had more options available to them then, than they do now.
I just think Sundin would have been more prolific and effective on the wing, only my opinion.
At the risk of starting a war here, I don't think Sundin made his wingers around him better.
He was a great player in his own right, consumate teamate and captain, accepted his defensive resposibilities well, but his style did not reflect that of a true centreman.
If you look at Gilmour when he came to the Leafs, during his peak years, look at the stats for his wingers, career years.
And talent wise or athletically, he doesn't hold a candle to Sundin.
I remember that at some point, there was talk in the papers that they wanted to try him at wing, and he nixed it. At that point Sundin was bigger than the team,
and I don't mean that as a shot.
BTW, my selection was based in part on some kind of longevity with the team.