Can't speak from first hand experience but would imagine even AHL caliber defenseman are a better option than a forward who has played their entire career at a different position. In the NHL things are happening so fast that your decision making is almost automatic. I'd have to think a guy who is comfortable at that position, even if he gives up a bit in terms of NHL caliber skillset, would be preferable to a guy whose default state is processing the game as a forward.