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3 players from the Central Division who will end the season in a new uniform

The Central Division has already seen some turbulence, so who else may be on their way out the door by the time the trade deadline rolls around?

ByTodd Matthews|
Jan 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker (26) moves the puck against Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Jan 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker (26) moves the puck against Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

I would have fallen over laughing if you told me Mikko Rantanen would be in a Carolina Hurricanes uniform to end the season. There was no possible way the Colorado Avalanche would move Rantanen, who’s been Natan MacKinnon’s right-hand man for years. 

But here we are, in a bizarre situation that’s seen Martin Necas go to Denver as the main guy in a swap that included the former Avalanche star in Rantanen. The Chicago Blackhawks also got in on the action and moved Taylor Hall in that same deal. 

So, it begs the question: Who else from the Central Division will end up playing in a different uniform by the time the 2024-25 regular season ends?

One of those players was the subject of a lesser-known trade. Scott Perunovich, an underrated defenseman, became the next victim of general manager Doug Armstrong’s retool when the longtime general manager shipped the blueliner to Long Island. Here are three more in the Central headed for a similar fate.  

Ryan Donato, Chicago Blackhawks

Conventional wisdom would’ve put Connor Bedard over Ryan Donato in goals scored at this point in the season, but Donato’s got Bedard beaten by one. He also has a higher shooting percentage, isn’t afraid to be physical, and he can win faceoffs. 

In other words, Donato looks like he’s much better suited to help a team succeed at the moment than Bedard, and it’s why he won’t be sticking around Chicago. While the Blackhawks look to build around Bedard, someone like Donato could take over another team’s middle six and play solid hockey in all three zones. 

Plus, given Donato’s output this season, the Hawks can command a higher price tag for his services. In the end, all parties will benefit, with the Hawks receiving more much-needed capital while Donato seeks a championship.

Nick Schmaltz, Utah Hockey Club

With 39 points and 29 assists in 49 contests, Nick Schmaltz has evolved into a proven playmaker. But much like Ryan Donato in Chicago, Schmaltz’s age and experience will make him an enticing trade piece for a contender, something that Utah is about a year away from. 

That said, it would make sense for Utah to keep Schmaltz, as he’s still young enough to be part of a rebuild. But the issue here is that Utah has quite a few high-end prospects and an ultra-young core, so trading Schmaltz for another few youngsters makes a lot of sense. 

So, look for general manager Bill Armstrong to send Schmaltz elsewhere near the deadline in what will be an underrated blockbuster deal. And Utah fans will thank him next season. 

Ryan Suter, St. Louis Blues

Because the St. Louis Blues just aren’t done making moves yet, that’s why. I would find it surprising if Doug Armstrong made another transaction before you even read this article, and there’d be no shock at all if that deal involved Ryan Suter. 

The aging defenseman isn’t going to want to spend the twilight of his career in Gateway City much longer, as the Blues are a proven middle-of-the-road team in 2024-25. He can also still play top-four minutes at an effective level, so expect Suter to wind up with a team that’s currently having trouble on their blue line.

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