What Each Team Needs Going Into Free Agency

Central Division

The Central Division was the Western Conferences most competitive division last year, just like the Atlantic in the East. Four of the five teams made the playoffs, while one struggled to finish in the bottom five of the league. The St. Louis Blues were the surprise story as they ran the table, nearly winning the Presidents Trophy. They ended up the division winner, second in the conference. The Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings finished four and five in the conference while the Chicago Blackhawks were right behind them in sixth. The Predators ended up knocking out the Red Wings in the first round before losing in the second round. The Blues lost to the eventual champs in second round as well. The Blackhawks lost in the first round to the Phoenix Coyotes. The Columbus Blue Jackets struggled another year and continue to try and rebuild.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks were a very good sixth seed heading into last seasons playoffs when the Phoenix Coyotes stopped them in their tracks. They did not play up to their potential and therefore saw an early exit from the playoffs. In the offseason, rumors spread about Patrick Kane being on the trading block after another drinking episode which ended up with pictures all over the internet. With that, he is still a Blackhawk and will remain a Blackhawk, for now. Captain John Toewshas made it well known he would love to have Shane Doan in Chicago and he would be a great fit. Therefore, expect the Blackhawks to extend a contract his way. There offense is very stable including snipers like Kane, Toews, and Patrick Sharp. They also have a great supporting cast. Their defense will once again be backboned by Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Again, the bottom four are a great supporting cast. A big question lays in net for the Hawks, as Corey Crawford struggled at times last season. They have been rumored to have been calling on Roberto Luongo, but Luongo has already said he won't accept a trade to Chicago. The Hawks will probably stick with the young Crawford in net. They likely will be quiet during free agency besides making a splash for Doan.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets were dreadful this year, finishing last in the league by a landslide. Unfortunately for them, they then lost out on the first overall pick in the lottery draft to the Oilers, but still got a solid defenseman in Ryan Murray, who may even crack the lineup this season. The biggest question surrounding GM Scott Howsen is when and if he will trade captain Rick Nash. Nash has the power to be a great asset to many teams in the NHL. The asking price is high, but after free agency slows down he is bound to be shipped somewhere for a package. On offense, the Blue Jackets are weak at best, even with Nash. RJ Umberger and Ryan Johansen are their biggest weapons. They will need to try and attract players during free agency, but it is unlikely many will bite. On defense, Jack Johnson was shipped from the Kings in the Jeff Carter deal, giving them their number one. The supporting cast is actually not bad including shutdown man Fedor Tyutin and James Wisniewski. In net, the Blue Jackets will have Steve Mason and newly acquired Sergei Bobrovsky. If they can produce some offense, the Jackets will be a better team than last year, however, still unlikely to make the postseason. The rebuild continues...

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings are always a favorite in the Western Conference and no matter where they finish are dangerous in the playoffs. The were ousted by their division rival Predators but look to return strong this year under Coach Mike Babcock. On offense, the already dangerous Red Wings are going to make a huge pitch for Zach Parise, the most prized free agent this summer. Adding that to the likes of magician Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen, among others will make a powerhouse up front. The back end will not be the same it has been for the past 20 years as Nicklas Lidstrom retired this year. Even then, Niklas Kronwall will lead a defense that always ends up being stellar. They will also be making a huge pitch for top free agent defenseman Ryan Suter. In net, Jimmy Howard was having a great year until injuries late in the season really set him back. He was not himself in the playoffs, limiting how far the Red Wings could go. If the Wings get Parise and/or Suter, watch out, they will be very dangerous. Even if they don't, they will be strong as they always are. The Red Wings biggest concern is bolstering the defense heading into free agency.

Nashville Predators

Going into last years playoffs, the Predators were my pick to make it to the Cup round in the West. They were skilled right down the line and had all positions covered. However, Mike Smith has something to say about that and the Predators lost out in the second round. This year will be a bit different in Nashville. Up front, Alexander Radulov will not be coming back after a little partying in the playoffs got him in some trouble. Up front, a cast including Mike Fisher, Martin Erat, and Patric Hornqvist lead the Predators. However, with what they will lose to free agency, the Predators definitely could use some help on the front end. The defense will also look possibly quite different as Ryan Suter will hit the open market. Shea Weber is a RFA but will likely only sign a one year deal and be unrestricted next summer. He has already stated he'd like to play with Suter. He may end up in Nashville for one more year, but after that the Predators could be hurting. Hall Gill will return which always helps. The other players on the defensive end are capable as well. In net, the Predators have a world-class goalie in Pekka Rinne and have locked him up for some time. The Predators will look to add offense in free agency while trying to lure Suter and Weber to stay for years to come.

St. Louis Blues

The Blues were the surprise of the Central Division, ending up winning it under Coach Ken Hitchcock. After a bad start, Hitchcock took over and the Blues did not look back. They were fantastic on home ice during the regular season. In the playoffs, they as well as others, ran into a very hot Los Angeles Kings and lost in four games. Their offense is stacked with great young talent like TJ Oshie and David Perron. Captain David Backes is a personal favorite player of mine as he plays an all around great power forward game. On defense, Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Pietrangelo are turning into something special and are surround by some great veterans to help them out. Kris Russell is also a big younger and fits in well in St. Louis. In net, the one-two punch of Brian Elliot and Jaro Halak proved well for the Blues and will return again this season. I expect Halak to be the starter but Elliot to play a good number of games as well. 

Just like the Atlantic Division, the Central is a tough call. All four teams that made the playoffs last year are sure to return just as strong this year. They can all make the playoffs and almost anything can happen between one and four within the division. If I had to make a prediction at this point, I think the Red Wings will win the division as they will add Parise and/or Suter to their roster. The Blues and Blackhawks will fight for second and third while I think the Predators may struggle a bit offensively, ending up fourth. If they lose Suter, they will not be as shut down on the defensive end. These four teams though can all make the playoffs and surprise so I would not be shocked to see different. The Blue Jackets will struggle again. The biggest question for them will be will Rick Nash be with the team in mid-July. If they do trade him, expect the rebuild to start with those picks, players, and prospects acquired.