With the NHL trade deadline just weeks away, it’s time to continue looking around the league to see what options are out there for the contenders, and what players might be available.
TRADE DEADLINE OUTLOOK FOR THE CENTRAL DIVISION
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Record: 38-12-6, 82 Points
Quite possibly the surprise story of the year, the Predators went from missing the playoffs in 2013-14, to now sitting atop the NHL standings. Their defence corps in one of the best in the league, and Pekka Rinne should be considered a lock for a Vezina nomination. Look for them to keep up their success as they aim to claim the President’s Trophy for the first time in franchise history.
Deadline moves: Nashville just bolstered their already impressive defence by adding Cody Franson, and bringing in Mike Santorelli is a good addition to their forward depth. The Predators should feel very comfortable entering the playoffs with the roster they have.
ST. LOUIS BLUES
Record: 37-15-4, 78 Points
The Blues have been on a roll in 2015, winning 15 of their last 18 games. They will look to carry this success down the stretch and into the post-season. While St. Louis hasn’t had much playoff success in the last few years, they are hoping this is the year they get over the hump.
Deadline moves: After the trade for Ryan Miller last year didn’t work out as planned, the Blues might be hesitant to make any significant changes this time around. They already swapped Maxim Lapierre for Marcel Goc, which might be the only move they make.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Record: 35-18-4, 74 Points
Chicago should have no trouble making the playoffs for the seventh straight season, and are looking to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals after losing to the Los Angeles Kings last spring. The Blackhawks are loaded with talent, and should again be considered one of the top favourites to win the Stanley Cup.
Deadline moves: The Blackhawks would certainly remain a threat if they went into the playoffs with their current roster, but after Nashville made a deal, and the possibility of other contenders from the west improving, Chicago might feel obligated to make a deal of their own. Bringing in a forward that can play either a top six or top nine role could be what they need to secure another lengthy playoff run.
WINNIPEG JETS
Record: 29-19-10, 68 Points
The Jets managed to pull through when they were without several key defencemen, but ever since the all-star break they have been struggling. They have only won three of their last ten games, and have seen a number of teams start to catch up to them. They will need to be better down the stretch if they hope to make the post season for the first time since relocating to Winnipeg.
Deadline moves: They already made the blockbuster trade involving Evander Kane, but they still might not be done. Winnipeg could be looking to add a top nine winger.
MINNESOTA WILD
Record: 28-20-7, 63 Points
The Wild looked like they were going to let the season slip away from them, but since acquiring Devan Dubnyk from the Arizona Coyotes, they have really turned it around. Dubnyk has been standing on his head for Minnesota, going 10-1-1 with 4 shutouts, a goals-against-average of 1.60, and a save percentage of 0.938.
Deadline moves: The loss of Jason Zucker for three months stings, as he was second on the team in goals with 18. His absence should put the Wild in the market for a top nine winger.
DALLAS STARS
Record: 26-22-8, 60 Points
Dallas was getting close to reaching a wildcard spot, but then received a huge blow to the lineup. With Tyler Seguin out 3-6 weeks, the team will need to rally together for there to be any chance of playing in late April.
Deadline moves: The next two weeks will determine the moves they should make. If Dallas can win some games and stay in the race, then they should try to add a top six forward. If they take a nosedive, then it might be best to become sellers. Players such as Erik Cole and Vernon Fiddler could gain interest from a few teams around the league.
COLORADO AVALANCHE
Record: 23-22-11, 57 Points
Having lost four of their last five games, the Avalanche’s chances of making a playoff push are looking slim right now. Being eight points back is a lot to overcome, especially when teams ahead in the standings are picking up steam. Unless they go on a winning streak this week, they could be sellers at the trade deadline.
Deadline moves: Jan Hejda could be dealt to a team looking for a depth defenceman, and despite not having a great season so far, Daniel Briere could be highly coveted due to his impressive playoff numbers (116 points in 124 games).
If you missed the outlook for the Metropolitan division, you can find it here.
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