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NHL Trade Deadline: Best Deals for Central Division Teams

By Shepard Price

Feb 6, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; St. Louis Blues center Paul Stastny (26) celebrates his goal Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; St. Louis Blues center Paul Stastny (26) celebrates his goal Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 15, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (72) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders with Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) during the first period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (72) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders with Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) during the first period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks this year are reliant on a lot of rookies. Somewhat surprisingly, it’s worked out well for the Blackhawks, as it turns out Stan Bowman can draft really well. With rookies like Ryan Hartman, Vincent Hinostroza, and Nick Schmaltz, the Blackhawks continue to be one of the most prominent threats in the West.

But everyone can always get better. The Blackhawks current leading goal-scorer is 38-year-old Marian Hossa. The second line of Patrick Kane, Artem Anisimov, and Artemi Panarin had a very bad January. The Blackhawks still lack a true first line left wing. They’ve gotta improve to win the Central in the playoffs.

Blackhawks Give Up: 2nd Round Pick

Blackhawks Get: Thomas Vanek, LW

The Blackhawks have a lot of cap space available – at the same time, a lot of that will have to go towards eating bonuses so next year isn’t harshly affected. Those with bonuses include Panarin, Michal Rozsival, and Hartman.

But the Blackhawks traditionally make a move or two at the deadline, and this year could be no different. If Bowman is as wise as I think he is, he’ll understand what he needs is a cheap asset without giving too much up. Vanek could be just that. He has 36 points on the season, just what the Blackhawks need. He’s also a Cup-less veteran, which is the favored Blackhawks deadline move.

At the same time, the Red Wings must face the reality that the last year at the Joe will be playoff-less, and that it’s time to rebuild. Trading one year deal Vanek is a start.

Feb 16, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Jake Allen (34) is congratulated by teammates after the Blues defeat the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Jake Allen (34) is congratulated by teammates after the Blues defeat the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports /

St. Louis Blues

The Blues fired their head coach, and got better. That seems to be a common theme this year. Mike Yeo has done a good job leading this team, and the Blues have improved their positioning since Yeo was promoted, now third in the Central.

They still need a few pieces though, if they want to beat both the Blackhawks and presumably the Wild.

Blues Give Up: Joel Edmundson, D; 2nd Round Pick

Blues Get: Martin Hanzal, C

The Blues needed a first line center before Paul Stastny got hurt. They especially need one now that he’s hurt. Martin Hanzal provides just that, and is a big center with a capable shot and makes players around him better. That means that if he were put with Vladimir Tarasenko, Tarasenko could be even more unleashed.

The Coyotes need young defensemen and draft picks. They get both with Edmundson, who the Blues couldn’t protect in the expansion draft, and a 2nd. It’s a great deal for Hanzal, and the Coyotes have to rebuild without their number one center going forward. Or, Hanzal could pull an Antoine Vermette and come right back to the Coyotes.

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