NHL offseason grades: Central Division

Divisions: Central | Metropolitan | Pacific | Atlantic

Several teams have done well in free agency, on the trade market, and with their own restricted free agents this offseason despite the unforeseen circumstances impacting the financial landscape.

Other clubs, of course, haven't fared as well, and the always competitive Central Division is a prime example of that. One club all but imploded, another made a slew of head-scratching decisions, while a pair of rival teams were more successful at retaining their top talent and adding to it.

There will undoubtedly be more moves to come if and when plans for the 2020-21 season are finalized, but here's how we rate the Central squads so far this offseason:

Some contract figures are reported. Most players on two-way deals have been omitted.

Chicago Blackhawks

Key arrivals

Key departures

Re-signed

Unsigned RFAs

Rookies who could crack the lineup

The Blackhawks' offseason has been an unmitigated disaster. Chicago's core veterans were reportedly upset with the direction management took after it parted with multiple pieces from the franchise's championship years and let several others walk. Longtime Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews even went public to say the moves came as a shock.

In response to the team's leaders, the organization published a letter to fans, but in doing so, admitted it was committed to rebuilding. Former Chicago enforcer John Scott called the letter "embarrassing," and it's hard to disagree.

Most importantly, the Blackhawks needed to address their goaltending following Crawford's exit. They may still do so before 2020-21 begins, but entering the campaign with Subban and Collin Delia between the pipes inspires little confidence. All things considered, the offseason couldn't have gone much worse for Chicago.

Grade: F

Colorado Avalanche

Key arrivals

Key departures

Re-signed

Unsigned RFAs

Rookies who could crack the lineup

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Avalanche have done an excellent job. Colorado retained most of its depth and added a couple of talented pieces without sacrificing much.

The Avalanche traded Zadorov to Chicago in the deal that netted Saad, then filled their defensive void by acquiring Devon Toews from the New York Islanders for a pair of second-round picks before signing the reliable blue-liner to a new four-year pact. Saad's acquisition more than offsets the loss of Namestnikov, and Toews is unquestionably an upgrade over Zadorov.

Colorado kept its roster deep and skilled from top to bottom while maintaining a prospect pool that still oozes with potential. Giving Burakovsky an AAV close to $5 million after his first 20-goal season was a bit generous, but that was only a minor blemish on what's been an otherwise superb offseason.

Grade: A-

Dallas Stars

Key arrivals

Key departures

Re-signed

Rookies who could crack the lineup

The Stars didn't make any big splashes this offseason, but they did virtually everything they had to do. Most notably, Dallas brought back Khudobin - its goaltending savior. A three-year deal might not be ideal with all the mileage on the 34-year-old, but the AAV is quite team-friendly and he proved indispensable while carrying the team on its Cup Final run.

The Stars also took care of their RFAs and didn't suffer any major losses, roster-wise. Perry could still return to the fold, though Dallas' cap situation might make that difficult following the team's other signings.

Kiviranta's unexpected breakout was one of the best stories of the playoffs, and he's a virtual lock to make the squad in at least a bottom-six role despite his limited regular-season experience.

Grade: B+

Minnesota Wild

Key arrivals

Key departures

Re-signed

Rookies who could crack the lineup

Wild general manager Bill Guerin has certainly been active, but that doesn't mean all the moves were beneficial to his team. The Staal-for-Johansson swap was a clear win for Buffalo as well as a puzzling downgrade for Minnesota.

Sending Dubnyk to San Jose and replacing him with Talbot works in the short term, but Minnesota's new 33-year-old netminder is only one year younger than his predecessor, and Talbot hasn't taken on a starter's workload since his tenure with the Edmonton Oilers a few seasons ago.

Locking up Brodin was essential, but dealing away so much of the core without getting a whole lot in return is disappointing. Change was clearly necessary for the Wild after years of mediocrity, but transactions for their own sake - several of which risk alienating the fan base - don't seem prudent.

Grade: C-

Nashville Predators

Key arrivals

Key departures

Re-signed

Unsigned RFAs

Rookies who could crack the lineup

The Predators upgraded their third defensive pairing by bringing in Borowiecki and Benning, but the team's forward group is worse off following Smith's departure and Granlund's likely exit.

However, Nashville GM David Poile may not be done adding in free agency, and nor should he be, considering the club has nearly $13 million in cap space. The longtime executive needs to acquire another top-six winger like Mike Hoffman or Anthony Duclair, and bolstering the squad's less than inspiring bottom six would be wise as well.

However, as things currently stand, the Predators' offseason has left something to be desired.

Grade: C

St. Louis Blues

Key arrivals

Key departures

Re-signed

Unsigned RFAs

Rookies who could crack the lineup

Losing Pietrangelo was devastating for the Blues, and the former captain's immense impact on the blue line will be missed in St. Louis. However, Krug was the next-best defenseman on the market and was more than just a consolation prize.

Blues GM Doug Armstrong signed the skilled rearguard for over $2 million less annually than the $8.8-million AAV Vegas paid for Pietrangelo. Though Krug isn't quite as good as his counterpart, he is a year younger, and he's a star in his own right. Considering the downgrade from Pietrangelo could've been worse, Armstrong made out well.

However, there is some cause for concern in goal. Going from Allen - who's arguably the best backup netminder in the league - to the unproven Ville Husso puts a ton of pressure on Jordan Binnington, who took a step back last season after his Cup-winning campaign one year prior.

All things considered, the Blues aren't all that much worse on paper. That's definitely a positive considering how things could've gone.

Grade: B-

Winnipeg Jets

Key arrivals

Key departures

Re-signed

Unsigned RFAs

Rookies who could crack the lineup

The Jets needed a second-line center after doctors advised Bryan Little not to play next season, and reuniting with Stastny was a solid strategy. He's a soon-to-be 35-year-old pending UFA, but it was worthwhile considering Winnipeg only gave up defenseman Carl Dahlstrom and a conditional fourth-round pick.

Bringing back the underrated DeMelo was important as well in light of the Jets' somewhat desperate need on the back end.

However, Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff's best decision this offseason has been keeping Patrik Laine despite all of the chatter regarding the winger's future. Moving him for less than he's worth just to resolve the situation wouldn't be smart. Keeping him and letting the talk cool down has been an astute course of action.

Grade: B

(Salary source: CapFriendly)