Here's my thoughts on the gaudette conundrum. If he were to be sent down to start the season it sends a message.
That message is its okay to show up to camp out of shape. Its okay to mail it in in preseason. Theres nothing you can do to earn your spot in the lineup at this time.
That message is also completly opposite of what was relayed all offseason. Competition, earn your spot, blah blah blah. All that would be just lip service.
Gaudette has worked hard and has earned the big boy paycheck until he loses his spot (which he may). If managment has any morals they would make this happen regardless of waiver priority or forward position. Centers can play wing guys. Its been done before. Team canada is often riddled with centers.