Off-Season Grades: Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks
UFA’s re-signed: None
Additions: Marian Hossa, John Madden, Tomas Kopecky
Subtractions: Martin Havlat, Nikolai Khabibulin, Samuel Pahlsson, Matt Walker
Remaining needs: None
Note: Ex-GM Dale Tallon reeled in the biggest fish on the market with a 12-year deal. They also added a solid #3 center in Madden. But they lost their #1 goalie and point producer from a year ago. Their front-office hiccup with the RFA situation didn’t help this grade, either, as they had to scramble to sign Kris Versteeg & company.
Grade: C

Columbus Blue Jackets
UFA’s re-signed: None
Additions: Samuel Pahlsson, Mathieu Garon
Subtractions: Jason Williams, Christian Backman, Manny Malhotra, Michael Peca, Jiri Novotny, Chris Gratton
Remaining needs: Offensive defenseman
Note: The Jackets didn’t/couldn’t do much. But they did get Pahlsson, who will fit in really well. They also extended Rick Nash’s contract just days after July 1. GM Scott Howson has done a nice job putting this team together, and an addition of an offensive-minded d-man will be another step in the right direction.
Grade: B-

Detroit Red Wings
UFA’s re-signed: None
Additions: None
Subtractions: Marian Hossa, Mikael Samuelsson, Jiri Hudler, Ty Conklin, Tomas Kopecky
Remaining needs: 2 forwards
Note: I would have given them an INC grade, but the losses of those 5 above will take some sort of toll. The cap-strapped Wings will have to rely on younger players to fill-in, and may not be active at all for the rest summer.
Grade: F

Nashville Predators
UFA’s re-signed: Steve Sullivan, Joel Ward
Additions: Ben Guite
Subtractions: Greg Zanon, Vernon Fiddler, Radek Bonk, Scott Nichol, Jed Ortmeyer
Remaining needs: Top-9 forward, defenseman
Note: Although the Preds lost a few valuable role players in Zanon, Bonk, and Fiddler, GM David Poile may have saved this team by re-signing Sullivan and Ward. They couldn’t afford to lose either one of them. Poile still has some work to do to fill out the roster, and it probably won’t happen until closer to October.
Grade: C-

St. Louis Blues
UFA’s re-signed: Keith Tkachuk, Brad Winchester, Mike Weaver
Additions: Ty Conklin
Subtractions: Jay McKee, Manny Legace, Jeff Woywitka
Remaining needs: Top-4 defenseman
Note: Like the 3 teams above, the Blues weren’t able to do much this summer due to a glut of personnel. They were able to sign Ty Conklin, who I believe will provide great relief to Chris Mason in net. Don’t surprised to see them acquire a defenseman before the season.
Grade: C-