The NHL season is less than a week away from starting. Here is how the Central Division shaped up in the offseason.

Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks had a very quiet offseason again. That is not really surprising considering that they are still in the middle of a rebuild. They are working on adding more prospects to help Connor Bedard grow into the franchise player that he needs to be. The team should start picking up this time next year.

Colorado Avalanche: The biggest offseason signing for the Avs was re-signing Casey Mittelstadt to a three year contract. Mittelstadt had 18 goals and 57 points in 80 games for both the Sabres and the Avalanche. He provides the team with some much needed center depth to help balance the roster out as they try to make another push for the Stanley Cup.

Dallas Stars: The biggest signing was also another re-signing. The Stars signed Esa Lindell to a five year extension. He provides the team with quality defensive depth as well as the occasional goal. Lindell had 5 goals and 26 points in 82 games last season. Fans should expect more of the same from him this upcoming season.

Minnesota Wild: Brock Faber scored himself a massive eight year extension over the summer. He gave the team 8 goals and 47 points in 82 games last year. Like Lindell, he provides reliable defense as well as the occasional goal. He also is able to provide good offense for a defenseman. 

Nashville Predators: Steven Stamkos is the big catch of the offseason for the Predators. He was previously with the Lightning for his entire career. He will help Nashville with their powerplay and should pair well with Jonathan Marchessault, who also signed a five year contact this offseason. 

St. Louis Blues: The Blues had an uneventful offseason. No really notable signings. They are currently trying to decide if they should rebuild the team or not. It does seem to be pointing that way with almost all of the players from the 2019 Cup Team either retired or playing for different teams. They are probably going to give it one more try this season, but they should just close up shop now.

Utah Hockey Club: The inaugural season for the relocated Arizona team. The entire offseason was basically just spent hyping up the new season. Mikhail Sergachev was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning. He will provide the team with veteran defensive leadership as he has two cups to show for his time with the Lightning. 

Winnipeg Jets: The Jets also had a pretty quiet offseason, mostly because they already have most of the pieces that they need for a playoff run. It is just a matter of getting the momentum they need to make it far for once.