Central Division Snapshot 2/28: Pre-Deadline Madness

This week in the toughest division in the NHL, the Blues were able to hold on to their 2nd position despite a pair of losses.  The Predators are beginning to show signs of vulnerability, Winnipeg and Chicago stock up for the playoff push, and replenish while they battle injuries to key players.

The Records:

NSH  2 - 1 -1

STL  1- 2 -0

CHI  2 - 2 - 0

WPG 1 - 0 - 2

MIN  2 - 1 - 0

DAL 0 - 2 - 2

COL 2 - 1 - 0

Notable Trades and Roster Moves:

Being the week before the trade deadline, not many teams are waiting to make moves.  here are the trades that affect the central division.

The Minnesota Wild acquired Sean Bergenheim, and a 2016 7th round pick from the Florida Panthers for a 2016 3rd round pick.  Bergenheim was going through some drama with the Panthers and his agent.  He reportedly asked for a trade and the Panthers obliged by sending the skilled two way forward to Minnesota.

The Winnipeg Jets made a move this week to acquire Jiri Tlusty from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2016 3rd round Pick, and a conditional 2015 6th round pick.  The 26 year old Tlusty was specilated to be on the move and Winnipeg was in need of a forward after the injury to Perrault last week.

Our very own Saint Louis Blues brought back a familiar face in Adam Cracknell from the Columbus Blue jackets for future considerations.  Cracknell was claimed on waivers by Columbus after signing with the LA Kings in the summer and being cut.

The Chicago Blackhawks made a pair of moves this week sending TJ Brennan back to Toronto in exchange for Spencer Abbott in a minor league deal.  The Hawks also acquired Kimmo Timonen from the Philadelphia Flyers for 2015 2nd round pick and a conditional 4th round pick from 2016.  Timmonen missed considerable time since having blood clots found in his hip and lung.  It is believe he is close to returning, but the timing remains to be seen.

Notable News from around the division:

Here is an interesting look at "the life of a pro scout" from the Winnipeg Jets writers.  Worth a read for the insight.  (http://jets.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=755470)

The Minnesota Wild announced that there were some changes made to their Board of Directors and Ownership structure.  The announcement was made on Wednesday and includes Matthew Hulsizer who was rumored to be in on the Blues when they were on sale and was linked to purchasing the Arizona Coyotes before their sale.  I could be wrong but i think he wants a hockey team or something.  (http://wild.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=755074)

The Rest:

The Blues have games against Edmonton, Vancouver, and Philadelphia this week with hopes to bridge the gap against the Central Division leading Nashville Predators.  Next Week we will take a look at more trades as the March 2nd Trade deadline approaches.