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Capitals' rookie Burakovsky opens season as 2nd-line center

Rookie forward Andre Burakovsky is set to begin his first season in the NHL as the Washington Capitals' second-line center after making a successful transition from his natural spot on the wing throughout the course of the summer.

It's a significant change in a relatively short period of time, but the 19-year-old is raring to go.

"It's been a huge move for me," Burakovsky told Adam Vingan of NHL.com. "I didn't know that it was supposed to go that fast. I think I've been playing really well and I've gotten a lot of help from my teammates, too. I feel really comfortable with the center position more than the wing, so hopefully I stay at the center and do really good."

Vingan notes the Capitals asked the OHL's Erie Otters to shift Burakovsky to center after drafting him 23rd overall at the 2013 draft, but the junior club couldn't accommodate the request due to their depth at the position, including some kid named Connor McDavid.

His move to center began at development camp in July and general manager Brian MacLellan lauded the youngster's adaptability.

"We've had a number of discussions about his skill level and his ability to play the whole rink. He sure looked to us as a natural centerman," MacLellan said. "We thought we'd try it this year and he's adapted really well."

Burakovsky recorded 41 goals and 46 assists for the Otters last season and will get his first taste of regular season NHL action Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens.

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