The Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars still rule the Central Division.
With the season more than two-thirds of the way through, it’s unlikely that anyone is going to catch these three clubs. The Avs are nestled safely into the top seed, holding a five-point advantage and three games in hand on second-place Minnesota.
Meanwhile, the Stars are just a point back of the Wild with a game in hand. And the separation from Dallas to the next team in the division, the Utah Mammoth, is 13 points.
Still, each of the top three teams has unanswered questions. Even the remaining four clubs outside of the playoff picture have things to figure out.
Here are two questions for each of the eight teams in the Central Division.
Colorado Avalanche
Who will the Avs acquire to fill out its center depth, particularly on the third line?
Will general manager Chris MacFarland move out Samuel Girard for a different look on the blueline or is the plan to simply add a depth No. 7 option?
Minnesota Wild
Minnesota is in desperate need of a No. 2 center to play behind Joel Eriksson Ek and they’re rumored to be in on several notable centermen. Ryan O’Reilly, Nazem Kadri, Vincent Trocheck, etc. Who will it be?
Will Bill Guerin do enough this season to entice Quinn Hughes to sign an extension on July 1?
Dallas Stars
Is Tyler Seguin’s $9.85 million salary cap hit going to be available for GM Jim Nill to utilize at the trade deadline?
What’s the plan for Jason Robertson for the rest of the season?
Utah Mammoth
Having already missed out on Artemi Panarin, are the Mammoth still looking to make a big splash ahead of the trade deadline?
What is Nick Schmaltz’s future going to look like past this season in Utah?
Nashville Predators
The Predators are already searching for Barry Trotz’s replacement as general manager. Will they get this solved before the season ends?
The Preds have turned their season around over the past six or so weeks. Does that alter their plans to sell at the deadline?
Chicago Blackhawks
Connor Bedard is still looking for a permanent long-term top winger to be paired with. Can the Blackhawks find a match by the trade deadline?
Where will longtime Hawks defenseman Connor Murphy finish the season?
Winnipeg Jets
Is it time to fire Scott Arniel and replace him with a new voice behind the bench?
Will Jonathan Toews finish the season with the Jets or be used as trade deadline fodder?
St. Louis Blues
With Doug Armstrong on his way out of the GM chair and Alex Steen coming in, how aggressive will the Blues be at the deadline to sell off pieces and recoup assets?
Is this Jordan Binnington’s final season in St. Louis?
