Pre-camp preview: Central Division

Fredrik Modin (Getty Images)

Either way, the Jackets figure to have as much of a struggle as last year because they are not particularly impressive in their own end. Columbus traded away No. 1 goalie Marc Denis to get Modin and will count on the inexperienced Pascal Leclaire to carry the load.

They've added Tomas Kloucek and Anders Eriksson to the blue line, but both are journeymen who have played their way off several teams, and not necessarily good ones, in the last few seasons.

One new face who could make an impact is Gilbert Brule, a talented little center who was the sixth overall draft pick in 2005.

Michal Handzus (Getty Images)

The Blackhawks have also added free agent Tony Salmelainen, the top scorer in Finland last season; center Bryan Smolinski, who came along from Ottawa in Havlat deal; and goaltender Patrick Lalime, who will get a chance to revive his floundering career as a backup. Center Denis Arkhipov is coming back from Russia with the same goal.

The outflow included left wing Mark Bell, who was part of the package needed to get Havlat, while veterans Curtis Brown, Matthew Barnaby and Eric Daze were allowed to test free agency.

Jay McKee, Blues (Getty Images)

St. Louis made a big move when free agency began by adding former Sabres mainstay Jay McKee to stabilize the defense, and then added veteran forwards Doug Weight, Bill Guerin, Martin Rucinsky and Dan Hinote to provide leadership and, hopefully, offense as the Blues try to integrate young players from their system.

The Blues picked up goalie Manny Legace from Detroit as well, while saying goodbye to several players from last year's roster, most of whom should have been in the minors anyway.