NHL Central Division Preview

Dallas Stars

I cannot say enough good things about this year’s Dallas Stars team.

After finishing behind the Avalanche last year, there were many positive things to take away from the season. The Stars finally have a franchise goaltender with Jake Oettinger.

Now, veteran Matt Duchene is joining the experienced core for Dallas. If this season goes as planned, I believe the Dallas Stars could rack up 100 points during the regular season. Forward Jason Robertson proved himself to be a critical piece for this team for many years going forward.

Colorado Avalanche

This Avalanche team looks much different than the one that raised the Stanley Cup two years ago.

Half of the forward group is brand new, but the defensive core is still the same. The projected lineup has six returning players who all have their names etched on lord Stanley.

It will be interesting to see how this team gels throughout the year. With half of the forward group being new, it’s hard to get serious chemistry to form in 82 games.

I could be completely wrong, and the Avs could quite possibly rerun the table, but that's the fun part about predictions.

Minnesota Wild

What’s interesting about the Wild is that this team could easily be at the top of the Atlantic or Pacific division. Kaprizov, Zuccarello, Boldy, the list goes on and on.

There's so much talent in Minnesota that needs to be utilized more efficiently. The Wild have what it takes to make noise in the central division. This season, a big key for the Wild will be the games against divisional opponents.

I could see Minnesota being a one or two-seed if they win most of their divisional games in the regular season. As long as the Wild put themselves in a position to win, the only team that can defeat them is themselves.

Nashville Predators

Confusion. That is the only word I can use to describe this year's Nashville Predators.

Going after Ryan O'Reilly this offseason was a move that did not need to be done. The Predators are going in a direction they cannot hold on to for a long time.

Roman Josi leads this group as a phenomenal NHL captain. He has a new criminal partner, and he goes by the name of Luke Schenn.

The most challenging thing to do while playing the Predators is to score goals. I will give them that. With a defensive core of Josi, Barrie, McDonagh and now Schenn, it’s challenging to generate a lot of offense.

Unfortunately for Nashville, I don’t see defense and goaltending helping their playoff hopes.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets are another team in a very interesting situation. A team held together by star goaltending can only get you so far in the regular season.

Their top forward line this season is Mark Scheifele, centering Kyle Connor and the new guy, Gabriel Vilardi. Coming over from the Kings in the offseason,

Vilardi is precisely what Winnipeg needs. This team lacks offense, so picking up a forward like Vilardi helps a struggling team like the Jets.

I could see Winnipeg shocking some teams during the regular season if their defensive core takes it to the next level.

St. Louis Blues

I miss the old St. Louis Blues. After winning the Stanley Cup, the Blues gave up. O’Reilly, Tarasenko, Oshie and Pietrangelo are all gone. Adding Kevin Hayes upfront helps their offensive citation, but not enough to pass any other team in the central.

Similar to the Jets, the Blues need more offense. A top line of Buchnevich, Thomas, and Kyrou isn’t able to top a team not only in the west but in the central specifically. I expect more regression this season from the Blues because a lot needs to be done in front and behind the blue line.

Arizona Coyotes

If it weren’t for the COVID-19 season, the Arizona Coyotes would have a 10-year playoff drought.

The Coyotes drafted one of the best collegiate talents this league has ever seen. Logan Cooley has looked phenomenal so far in camp and during the pre-season.

The additions of Jason Zucker, Nick Bjugstad and Alex Kerfoot will help the Yotes tremendously this season. Not to mention, they also acquired Matt Dumba and Sean Durzi to help defend the goalie Vejmelka.

Overall, the Yotes need more peace, not just on the ice but throughout the organization.

Chicago Blackhawks

Despite drafting Conner Bedard, the Blackhawks have a lot more to do. The projected top line for the Blackhawks consists of players who did not play in Chicago last year.

Those players are Taylor Hall, Connor Bedard and Ryan Donato. I am very interested in how the Blackhawks go about the regular season.

Don’t forget that Chicago also picked up Nick Foligno and Corey Perry over the summer. Will the veteran leadership help propel Chicago and Bedard to the next level?

Ethan Zaretsky is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email emz5126@psu.edu