Welcome back to Call-Up Chronicles.  Last week, we covered the Atlantic Division, and now it is time to shift gears to the Central Division. With the trade deadline in the rearview, teams are either gearing up for a playoff push or laying the foundation for the future. Injuries and roster shakeups have cracked open the door for young talent, making this the perfect moment to see who's ready to step up.

In this edition, we are spotlighting prospects getting their first real taste of NHL action, along with those knocking on the door. For fantasy managers, now is the time to scout potential impact players, some could be hidden gems, while others might not be worth the hype. Let's dive in and see which young guns are making waves.

Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks – Arytom Levshunov

Artyom Levshunov's NHL debut did not take long. Just a week after receiving the call from the Blackhawks, he has found himself on the top power-play unit, an impressive feat for a rookie with only two games played. It is still early, and Chicago's young, rebuilding team is constantly shifting lineups, so his role remains fluid. After a slow start in the AHL due to injury, Levshunov has made significant strides. The player who entered training camp is very different from the one making his NHL debut, he has transitioned well from the AHL. He is averaging 20:15 of ice time, and by his third game. His ceiling is high and his potential to develop into a high-end, two-way top-pair blueliner is on its way.

Colorado Avalanche – Sean Behrens

The Colorado Avalanche have already faced roster challenges this season, with injuries and Valeri Nichushkin's suspension. With their core set for a Cup run, call-ups are unlikely unless immediate value is needed. Trading away top prospect Cal Ritchie opened the door for players like Ivan Ivan, who has seen NHL action, but other prospects like Sean Behrens could get an early look. He is a smart and mobile defenseman, has excelled at every level, winning two NCAA titles and contributing at the World Juniors. After recovering from a knee injury, he could become a possible call-up candidate. If he continues to develop in the AHL, his well-rounded game could earn him NHL minutes soon.

Dallas Stars – Lian Bichsel / Antonio Stranges

The Dallas Stars made a big move at the trade deadline by acquiring Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund. With key players like Miro Heiskanen on the IR, they have been tight on cap space. They called up Lian Bichsel, who was promoted in mid-December before Heiskanen's injury. Bichsel, a towering defenseman, has already played 25 NHL games and has been a steady presence. He has logged significant minutes in the AHL, especially on the penalty kill, and his size, physicality, and strong in-zone play make him a solid depth option. While still adjusting to the NHL pace, he is becoming a reliable rearguard. Meanwhile, Antonio Stranges has found his stride after a slow AHL start. With 40 points in 45 games for the Texas Stars (18 goals, 25 assists). Stranges' development could lead to an NHL call-up, with the potential to contribute as a depth player for Dallas.

Minnesota Wild – Liam Ohgren

Minnesota is running on fumes with key injuries to Joel Eriksson Ek, Marcus Foligno, Kirill Kaprizov, and possibly now Marco Rossi. With Liam Ohgren already called up, he serves as the next logical candidate for a permanent spot. He is the most reliable and NHL-ready option, although he may be given more responsibility that he was initially ready for. However, given his strong AHL production and versatility, Ohgren could stick with the Wild during this injury stretch. On the defensive side, with Spurgeon back (for last years injury), David Jiricek's imminent call-up may not come just yet, but his time is on the horizon.

Nashville Predators – Fedor Svechkov and Joakim Kemell

Fedor Svechkov is a sharp, two-way center with a knack for reading the play, always dialed in defensively while finding ways to create offense. After being called up from the Milwaukee Admirals, he secured a spot with the Predators. In 38 games, he has recorded six goals and five assists in a bottom-six role. Svechkov impressed in the AHL, nearly producing at a point-per-game pace, and shows promise at the NHL level. His ability to create space for linemates suggests he could develop into a solid third-line center with potential for a top-six role.

Joakim Kemell's AHL production has remained consistent, averaging 0.61 points per game over the last two seasons. With 33 points in 54 games this season and 41 points in 67 games last year, he contributes offensively but has not yet emerged as a top scorer. His defensive play and playmaking can still be choppy and he needs to refine that in order to transition to the NHL, where he could contribute in a middle-six role with power-play potential.

St. Louis Blues – Nikita Alexandrov

Nikita Alexandrov's NHL future was uncertain until he signed a one-year deal in September. The 24-year-old has played well since returning from a lower-body injury that kept him out for 20 games. His AHL development has been promising, particularly this season, posting 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points in 37 games, averaging 1.08 points per game. While he has offensive potential, Alexandrov's NHL progression depends on improving his overall consistently which seems to be the recurring theme with him. At 24, his time to make an impact is now.

Utah Hockey Club – Maveric Lamoureux

Maveric Lamoureux is an absolute tower at 6-foot-7, but don't let the size fool you, he glides around the ice with ease and packs a rocket of a shot. His defensive game has evolved, showing more poise and discipline in puck management. This season in the AHL season, he posted 2 goals, 10 assists, and 12 points in 29 games. Prior to that, with the QMJHL's Drummondville Voltigeurs, he contributed 9 goals and 24 assists for 33 points in 39 games. At 21, Lamoureux has progressed well in this hockey career and has played 15 NHL games earlier this season. He has the potential to become a top-four defenseman for Utah, contributing offensively and physically, and will likely get another call-up soon.

Winnipeg Jets – Brad Lambert

Brad Lambert has made an impression on the Manitoba Moose and Winnipeg Jets staff with his drive and perseverance. After a rollercoaster few seasons, featuring stints with five teams, four levels and an illness, Lambert has shown flashes of the skill and skating that once made him a top prospect in his age group. This season has been more up-and-down, with the Moose struggling offensively, but Lambert has still been among their more productive players. His natural gifts, particularly his edge control, allow him to carve through coverage with cutbacks and carries. If given a shot on a scoring line, Lambert could make an impact. His ceiling is high, and he is close to being NHL-ready.

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, or if there’s a prospect, you’d like me to cover, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey.