For me, if hes not ready to play C in the NHL, he should be in Utica developing into the top 6 cman they need him to be. He's a cman, he should be developed as such.
He's a much more valuable chip as a developed top 6 cman than he is as a top 9 winger. There's no need to force him into the lineup because he had a good pre-season, they are deep at centre and have the luxury of letting him cook. That is the smartest move, imo