I don't think Gillis will take any chances; he will either keep Wellwood or sign a FA for 3rd line center. This is not because I want to see Wellwood or a FA on the team; this is because you can't really give any prospects a shot "before looking at bringing in a FA". If you do this, it'll be slim-pickin's as all the good FA's will most likely be gone after training camp (personally training camp really means relatively little, so you're looking at maybe October to make a signing?) It makes the most sense for Gillis to either sign someone or keep Wellwood in the summer.
I like Wellwood. I think he does his job well, I know what to expect, and I can justify his salary. I would sign him again and let prospects compete with him. If there is a FA out there who is a sure upgrade on Wellwood for about the same salary and who is willing come here on a try out basis, then I would be happy with that, too.
As for Schroeder playing center, I think they will at least give it a look. I think if he looks like the BPA for that position, they'll use him, but I see him eventually moving to the wing (in a few years maybe). If he can do it, why hold him in the AHL to play wing?
I am super excited about our future, and I think management will stick by their "best players play" policy. They're likely gonna do one of those big try outs again, so in the end, whoever surfaces from that will start the season. Anyways, I daresay its far too premature to be talking of training camp when I am even more excited about what's going on right now!