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Deadline deals: Central Division

If Crisotbal Huet doesn't inspire confidence, here's a possible trade deadline solution that could. Bill Smith/NHLI/Getty Images

After the Winter Olympics end, NHL teams will have just three days to tweak their rosters ahead of the March 3 trade deadline. Insider has linked ESPN The Magazine's E.J. Hradek with the metric-heads over at Puck Prospectus to evaluate every team's roster and the surrounding whispers from NHL Rumor Central. This is how your team could improve for a run at the playoffs, the Stanley Cup ... or for next season.

Click on another division to see Insider's breakdowns for the rest of the NHL.
Atlantic | Northeast | Southeast | Central | Northwest | Pacific

Detroit Red Wings

GM Ken Holland remains in a salary-cap crunch. He had to deal forward Ville Leino in a deal designed to create the cap room to bring previously injured winger Johan Franzen back into the fold. He might have to make another move to fit D Andreas Lilja (out since last season with post-concussion symptoms) onto his roster.

There have been rumors that Holland might try to move F Jason Williams or place veteran winger Kirk Maltby on a long-term injury reserve. Maltby is apparently mulling shoulder surgery.

This doesn't bode well for the Wings making a deal to add a significant player for the playoff drive. As they've maintained all along, the Wings must hope a return to good health will be enough to get them to the playoffs and beyond in 2010.
-- E.J. Hradek