Offseason Programming: Central Division

While I am no fortune teller, I’ve comprised an offseason blueprint for all 32 teams. Note that this is not an “ideal offseason for x team” - this is one ‘simulation,’ per se, of what could happen. Let’s take a look at the Central Division.

Note that this was completed on my end on May 22.

Winnipeg Jets

Winnipeg could keep Ehlers, but I would expect them to go a different route. McCann is a logical acquisition because he can play center, is cost-controlled for two seasons, and the Jets have the assets to pull the trigger on a trade. It may cost them a better set of prospects, such as Brad Lambert with Heinola, but it should be worth it. With the recent news of Lowry’s surgery, I expect Jonathan Toews to sign here.

Dallas Stars

Mason Marchment and his $4.5M cap hit may have played his final game with the Dallas Stars, but they could opt to keep him and aim for low-cost depth instead to fill holes on the forward corps. Matt Dumba is also expendable, but there aren’t many better alternatives unless Jim Nill wants a reunion with John Klingberg. That relationship has likely sailed. A somewhat quiet offseason with Harley and Robertson extensions looming.

Colorado Avalanche

It could be a busy offseason for Colorado. Sam Girard has never been worth his $5M salary, but could discover something with Calgary, while the Avalanche reacquire their last productive second line center. More money out in Colton and Coyle allows Sakic to target Ivan Provorov to keep the defense up to snub. For now, the peace is kept, although Necas, Makar, and Lehkonen are on short-term deals.

Minnesota Wild

Although Marco Rossi is likely gone, Minnesota should still be in position to add this offseason. Brock Nelson is a solid fit at 2C. Zetterlund comes in to add youth to an old forward corps. Pageau further improves center depth, with his one-year contract coming off the books to focus on Kaprizov (and Gustavsson, to a lesser extent). This Wild team is almost a playoff lock.

St. Louis Blues

The Blues have little cap space, but only Joel Hofer to sign. With Binnington the clear 1A and locked up, Hofer’s value is best seen on the trade market. Bryam is an excellent youthful addition to the very aged defense. Nick Leddy is a casualty. No problem there, and St. Louis gets better for $1M extra and four more years. The Blues could shake it up if they wish, but it seems unlikely.

Utah Mammoth

Utah has already made the biggest splash of the offseason by naming their franchise the Mammoth. Why stop there? They are a prime landing spot for Mitch Marner, and although I see him going elsewhere, they will still have money to make splashes. Granlund and Marchand constitute that, while Appleton is a very solid option on the right wing.

Nashville Predators

The Predators’ big moves came last offseason, which leaves them little need or desire to spend big again. They are also probably unable to tear it down immediately. So, taking on some bad contracts for assets and staying put hoping for a combination of better luck and a second year of the tank is appropriate. Most of this roster will likely be gone by the trade deadline or soon thereafter for older players with term.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks made several free agency gs last offseason and fired Luke Richardson, showing desperation in their attempt to get Connor Bedard going. Who better than the biggest fish on the market? This is still a rather uninspiring roster, but they have a decent combination of youth infusion with savvy veterans (like Stanley Cup champion Yanni Gourde). This is a team that could surprise people if Marner works out and things go right. Unlikely, but possible.

Check out the Metropolitan Division and stay tuned for the Pacific Division coming soon!