Deadline team needs: Central Division

For a long time, the Central Division was revered as the strongest in the league.

This year, there has seen a slight changing of the guard. Still, with just over six weeks remaining in the season, as many as six of the seven teams remain within striking distance of the postseason.

With most teams in the the division either in a playoff spot or towards the basement, the Central could stand to be among the most active in the next week and a half.

With that, here is what the Central clubs could be looking to do ahead of the trade deadline:

Chicago Blackhawks

Need: Penalty-kill specialist

The Chicago Blackhawks have very few flaws (surprise, surprise). The team sits in the top-10 in both goals for and goals against.

However, where the club seems to struggle is on the penalty kill. The team holds the third-worst contingent, killing off penalties just 77.1 percent of the time, despite averaging the second fewest penalty minutes per game (6:54).

The Blackhawks don't need to add much at the deadline, but a notable penalty killer could go a long way.

Colorado Avalanche

Need: Sell

It's clear the process is already underway, as Joe Sakic and company appear ready to sell off all their high assets.

With the number of buyers and sellers still not clear, it appears the Avalanche have made their asking price for players such as Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog pretty high - just ask Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk.

It could be just a matter of time before a big fish is dealt, but Jarome Iginla and nearly anyone else on the roster could surely be shipped out of Colorado as well.

Dallas Stars

Need: Goaltending

Whether general manager Jim Nill is ready to admit it or not, Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi have been terrible for the Dallas Stars.

Dallas got by last season by outscoring their problems, but they can't do it this year. The Stars have the worst team save percentage league-wide despite averaging just the 15th most shots against per game.

It's time for Nill to finally address the elephant in the room.

Minnesota Wild

Need: Stand pat

The Minnesota Wild sit first in the Western Conference, fourth in goals for per game, and second in goals against per game. So why mess with success?

The team has little need to make any significant moves at the deadline. A forward depth option is the only thing possibly worth considering, but rather than that, just carry on.

Nashville Predators

Need: Top-6 forward

The Nashville Predators cling to a playoff spot and with a solid defense core, it's quit obvious the biggest need is someone who can provide offense.

The team's top-three scorers - Ryan Johansen, Filip Forsberg, and Viktor Arvidsson - all occupy their top line at the moment, proving their biggest need is to find scoring elsewhere.

Duchene would make sense and the Predators should have the pieces to make a deal work. A deal of this magnitude could help them get back to a top-three spot in the division and become a threat in the postseason.

St. Louis Blues

Need: Trade Shattenkirk

It's a drum that will continue to be beat until it's eventually done.

The Blues must deal Kevin Shattenkirk, lest they once again watch a star player depart without any assets recouped.

The amount of suitors and the asking price are sure to be high, but with the Blues in the driver seat, it's all up to Doug Armstrong to finally make a deal happen.

Winnipeg Jets

Need: Goaltending

The Jets' goaltending needs an upgrade, plain and simple.

Connor Hellebuyck, Michael Hutchinson, and Ondrej Pavelec have all failed to turn in performances that can even be considered average.

It's obvious the team needs a change. If they can get in on the potential Ben Bishop or Marc-Andre Fleury sweepstakes, with the pending expansion draft looming, that would be ideal.

Nevertheless, an upgrade is a must, especially if the club is serious about making the postseason.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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