Nashville Predators

Nashville right now is holding their own in the toughest division in the NHL, the Central Division. They are within striking distance of the high scoring Dallas Stars, and they could use the extra help to get them to the top of the Central. According to Hockey’s Cap, they have $10 million in cap space, which is the third most in the league. 

Everyone knows the Predators two stars. Pekka Rinne is an elite goaltender that is playoff proven. Shea Weber is an opponents nightmare on the blue line, showing the ability to make the smart play to stop opponent’s rushes and also able to change the game with the body.

The one area they do not have a bona fide superstar is in the forward position. James Neal, Filip Forsberg and Mike Ribeiro are all superb players that can carry their load on offense, but they don't have as big a name as Rinne or Weber. Perhaps they could try to trade for Steven Stamkos or another superstar forward.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets are another team slugging it out in the Central Division. They however are falling behind, and could use a big move to shake things up.

They also have been giving up a lot of goals, so some help on the blue line would be beneficial. According to Hockey’s Cap, they have the most cap room in the league with $12 million, so if they have plans for the playoffs they should start spending money to keep pace in their division.

Right now, Blake Wheeler is producing at a point per game and would appear to be their star forward. However, his highest career point total is 69 and it is hard to see him having a breakout year at age 29. Therefore, the Jets need to assume Wheeler and the top line are going to cool off soon, and will need to add some depth so they can continue to score enough goals to compete in the Central.

On defense, their stars Dustin Byfuglien, Tyler Myers and Tobias Enstrom are inconsistent and at times cost the Jets. Having a veteran defender that you can count on to always make the smart play would help this team a lot.  

Anaheim Ducks

One of the biggest surprises of the season so far has been the poor play of the Anaheim Ducks. At one point, the team was sitting at the bottom of the Pacific Division and were looking like they were about to make a bunch of experts look foolish. The team has been playing better, but they could also use some help. They also have the money to pay for it considering they $7 million in cap space.

The problem the team has been facing is their offense is completely centered around three guys. Opponents know that if they can double team them and keep them contained, then the Ducks will have serious problems scoring.

The Ducks are not even averaging two goals a game, and that is a clear sign that some additional firepower is needed offensively. They could use some depth forwards that can put up 20 goals only playing on the second or third line. Last year they only had four 20-goal scorers, and they lost one of them this off-season. 

Florida Panthers

The young Florida Panthers have had a good start to the year in a difficult Atlantic Division. Aaron Ekblad is going to be an elite defenseman, and he has been gradually building up his case this season to be on the top pair. Jaromir Jagr is like a fine wine, he only improves with age. He is tied for the team lead in goals and points even though he has missed some time due to injury.

The Panthers have a great young core already in place, and have veterans like Jagr that can help the young guns get into the playoffs. With $6 million in cap room, they can afford to spend. They need some help on the penalty kill as that is currently their Achilles heal. Just like the Jets, they could use a veteran presence on the blue line that can be counted on in key situations.

Ottawa Senators

After surprising people last year when they made the playoffs without star Jason Spezza, the team took the Montreal Canadiens to six games in what was one of the most entertaining games of the first round. The success has continued into the early season, as they are one of the top teams in the Atlantic Division. The team has $6 million in cap room to try to improve their playoff odds this year.

Their star players Erik Karlsson and Bobby Ryan are playing at a very high level. While young players mostly fill the lower lines, the stars are taking the young team under their wings and leading them to a successful start.

They could use more veterans on the blue line, but it would seem over the course of this article we have found they will be a hot commodity. The team gives up close to three goals a game, so Karlsson could use some more help in the tough situations that sometimes decide hockey games.