Draft Grades: Central Division

With the draft now in the rearview mirror, NHL organizations and their new prospects move onward into the next stages of attempting to build a championship-caliber team.

That being said, it's only fair to assess each teams picks and hand out some grades.

• Draft Grades: Pacific Division
• Draft Grades: Atlantic Division
• Draft Grades: Metropolitan Division

Here's our rundown of the Central Division.

Chicago Blackhawks

Draft picks

The Blackhawks didn't have a first round pick, but still managed to make a big splash in selecting an elite point producer in Alex DeBrincat. Chicago also did well in adding picks via the Andrew Shaw trade to Montreal, totaling nine picks on the second day. After their second-round haul, Chicago showed balance by nabbing a goalie, two forwards and three defenseman. DeBrincat has the highest potential, but overall, Chicago did well.

Grade: B+

Colorado Avalanche

Draft picks

The Avalanche got their man in Tyson Jost at No. 10 - a two-way center workhorse set to suit up for North Dakota next season - but Colorado didn't wow anybody after the first round. Morrison is a towering two-way forward, while Anderson and Clurman could turn into useful pieces on a blueline in need of an overhaul.

Grade: B-

Dallas Stars

Draft picks

The Stars nabbed 6-foot-5 power forward Riley Tufte straight out of high school, and followed up with five prospects that stand over 6-foot-1. Karlstrom developed strongly as his season progressed, and should become serviceable for the Stars. General manager Jim Nill addressed a dire team need by taking a goaltender. Although Point won't be with the big club, he shot up the Central Scouting Rankings from No. 17 to No. 4.

Grade: B

Minnesota Wild

Draft picks

With only four picks, it's difficult to declare draft weekend a success for the Wild. General manager Chuck Fletcher traded away Minnesota's mid-round picks in a series of questionable trades over the past few seasons, but went with three skilled forwards to help a Wild team plagued by an inability to score.

Grade: C-

Nashville Predators

Draft picks

Nashville's blueline just got even deeper. Fabbro at 17 was a terrific choice, as was Girard at 47. Both have strong offensive instincts combined with a steady defensive game, and should both eventually find minutes on the Predators back end. Pitlick scored 46 goals in the USHL this season, while Allard had 59 points, as Nashville hit on both third round selections. The Predators put emphasis on size and skill, while stockpiling future assets.

Grade: A

St. Louis Blues

Draft picks

It's clear the Blues want offense, adding seven forwards to their crop of prospects. However, none of St. Louis' selections are bursting will point-producing skills. A multitude of late picks helped, and adding bodies to the system is a solid plan, but time will tell if Doug Armstrong and company chose an effective personnel.

Grade: B-

Winnipeg Jets

Draft picks

Winnipeg confirmed the inevitable by taking Patrik Laine No. 2, then orchestrated a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers, ultimately moving up four spots for their second selection of the first round. With the pick, the Jets selected a 6-foot-7 behemoth in Stanley, but the choice raised some eyebrows as Winnipeg already has a multitude of towering defenders.

Afterward, the Jets created some balance by taking Green, a skill-oriented rearguard. Ultimately, Winnipeg landed a future star, and added mid-level pieces to a strong prospect pool.

Grade: B