Living GM vs. Blogging GM: Central division

To wrap up our Trade Deadline coverage, we'll take a look at the big moves (and non-moves) in each division one-by-one. Did our contributors and their respective GMs see eye-to-eye? Would those guest posts provide a better reality than what really came about? Let's take a look at the Central division:

Real Life: Blue Jackets send Pascal Leclaire and a second round draft pick to Ottawa for Antoine Vermette
Bethany from Bethany's Hockey Rants mainly pleaded with Columbus to rid the world of Christian Backman.

Since my picks are rarely correct, here's the closest I came: "The Blue Jackets have a great thing going. If I were Howson, I'd look for that one extra center. If they found the right guy who can slide right into Hitchcock's system, they should finally make the playoffs."

And Leclaire was the main image of the BJs section. Give credit, too, to Chris Kontos who predicted that CBJ would have to give up a draft pick. A rare win for the CLS gang!

Real Life: Red Wings do nothing
The Chief aka IwoCPO from Abel to Yzerman said:

"Denver fans are literally sobbing at the thought of Ian Laperriere joining the Wings, and for that reason I'd like to see it happen. We'll see. My prediction? Nothing. No additions. Nada."

Correct. Good job Mr. Chief.

Real Life: Nashville Predators do nothing
The Forechecker said:

"The first caveat heading into the deadline is, "no deals that make the 2009-10 edition of the team any worse." This Predators team is hardly in the position to make a "go for it" type of acquisition, but there are two scenarios in which they could be considered Buyers."

He ends up being half-right. Not bad.

Real Life: Anaheim Ducks trade Sammy Pahlsson, Logan Stephenson and a conditional fourth round pick to Chicago for James Wisniewski and center Petri Kontiola.
Clare from All Hawks Hockey said:

"If I were the Blackhawks GM, I would be hesitant to make any sort of trade. Adding another center would be nice but not at the potential cost that would be required in return. The Blackhawks have some minor issues that could be addressed but I believe the Hawks can be successful with the team they have now."

Half-right. Chris Kontos and I guessed that they'd add a center. The question is: what was the "potential cost" of the Pahlsson deal? Was that peanuts or way too much for a guy who might just go back to Anaheim this summer? I'll leave that to the commenters.

Real Life: Blues do nothing of significance
Brad Lee from St. Louis Game Time said:

"I would stand pat. The chemistry is good. The mix with young and old players is strong. They're winning. It's important to keep the long view of growing from within, but the fans are desperate for a chance at the playoffs. The energy around St. Louis and the enthusiasm for this team is really strong right now. So you can't trade Keith Tkachuk. And I don't want to give up any picks or prospects."

Well done, Brad. That is correct.