It should be an interesting year in the Central Division. Will Colorado maintain dominance without their captain for the entire regular season? Will Dallas’ young core push them to be the kings of the Central? How good will Connor Bedard be in his rookie year with the Blackhawks? Lots of questions surrounding the Central. Here are the projected standings for the Central Division in 2023-24.
8. Chicago Blackhawks
There is only one question that everyone is asking. Will Connor Bedard be as good as advertised? The Chicago Blackhawks took Bedard #1 overall at this year’s NHL draft. With the departure of Patrick Kane, former #1 overall pick in 2007, the Blackhawks need a “franchising-changing” player. Bedard dominated the junior league by putting up 71 goals and 72 assists in only 57 games. First player in history to win the CHL Top Scorer, Top Draft Prospect, and Player of the Year. He has an incredible resume but it’s a big jump to the NHL. Chicago added Taylor Hall in free agency to help Bedard produce offence. The Blackhawks are far away from contending but having a cornerstone like Bedard might be the start of something special in the windy city.
7. Arizona Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes have been in the news all last season, but not in a good way. An NHL franchise that is playing in an arena that holds up to approximately 5000 people is a bad look for Gary Bettman and the National Hockey League. According to Sportsnet, Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo is looking to purchase land for a new arena in Mesa, Arizona. If this is true, this is good news for Yotes fans as this could save them from moving the team.
As for the team, the future is getting brighter with the new young talent coming. Logan Cooley signed his entry level contract a few weeks back so he’s looking to showcase his skills and try to crack the roster on opening night. The golden boy Dylan Guenther had a sniff of the NHL last season before winning gold with Canada at the U20 WJC and then sent back to the WHL. Clayton Keller had a career year, posting 86 points last season. Once these players start to develop, Arizona will start to sneak up the Central division. For next season, expect them to be near the bottom of the division.
6. Nashville Predators
The backend of this team may be one of the best in the division, but their forward group is not very deep. Losing both Duchene and Johansen is a big loss offensively but gained a great two way player in Ryan O’Reilly who signed a four year deal in free agency. Can O’Reilly, Josi, McDonagh, and Saros carry this team into the playoffs? If they can grab some talent upfront during the trade deadline, they may contend for a playoff spot. Expect them to be outside the playoff bubble.
5. St. Louis Blues
A few additions in the off season can steer St. Louis in the right direction. Acquiring Kevin Hayes from Philadelphia for a sixth round pick and Philly will be retaining 50% of Haye’s contract. A solid two way forward with size is a great fit for the Blues. Having Robert Thomas, Brayden Schenn, and now Kevin Hayes down the middle will make it tough for opponents to match lines.
The Blues also acquired Jakub Vrana, who was a speedy forward for the Red Wings. He has gone through some person matters but if he can get back into shape and play like he did with the Capitals, the sky's the limit for the Czechian forward. Expect the St.Louis Blues to be on the bubble of a wild card spot.
4. Winnipeg Jets
This may come as a surprise to many to see the Jets in the number four spot. It seems there may be some negativity going around the Jets locker room. With Blake Wheeler gone and some new faces in the locker room, there’s a possibility of a turnaround season. Connor Hellebuyck has been a solid number one goalie for the past few years. With the additions of Gabe Vallardi, Alex Iafallo, Nino Niederreiter and a bigger role from Cole Perfetti, this team will find themselves in a wild card spot this upcoming season.
3. Minnesota Wild
Finishing 3rd in the division last season, the Minnesota Wild are looking to repeat history. A strong forward core starts with superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov. This Russian forward is taken big steps every year, surpassing 100 points in his second year in the NHL. Another player who is coming into his own shell is Matt Boldy. Playing his first full season in 2022-23, he surpassed 30 goals and 30 assists. With Reaves going to Toronto, the Wild were able to add grit by trading for Patrick Maroon from the Tampa Bay Lightning. With a solid top six, strong defencemen, and a reliable goalie, the Minnesota Wild should find themselves back in a top 3 spot in the Central.
2. Dallas Stars
Two games away from reaching the Stanley Cup Finals, the Dallas Stars had one of their best seasons in the past few. Dallas may have one of the most complete teams in the entire National Hockey League. Starting up front, young superstar Jason Robertson who blew out of the gates at an early age posting back to back 40 goal seasons. Strong veteran leadership in Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Joe Pavelski who all had solid seasons especially in the playoffs. Miro Heiskanen, one of the best puck moving defenceman in the NHL. If you look up and down the lineup, they are in a “win now” situation and management recognizes it. To solidify their top 6, they went out and signed Matt Duchene to a one year deal. If Jake Oettinger, can have a stellar performance this year, Dallas will contend not only for the Western Conference but for the Stanley Cup. Don’t be surprised if the Dallas Stars find themselves in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2023-24.
1. Colorado Avalanche
Earlier this summer, the Colorado Avalanche had announced that Gabriel Landeskog will not be suiting up in the 2023-24 season due to a knee injury. Question is, will he be back for the post season? During free agency, the Avalanche went out and acquired multiple players that will help them replace Landeskog.
Getting Ross Colton from the Tampa Lightning will help build depth. A speedy young forward who isn’t afraid to get into the corners, scores big goals when needed, and is versatile in the line-up.
The Avalanche also went out and acquired Miles Wood from New Jersey. A big forward who can produce and be physical.
A very surprising move by getting Jonathan Drouin from the Montreal Canadiens. Lots of potential in Drouin when he was first drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Just seems like he hasn’t found his rhythm but maybe playing with old Mooseheads teammate Nathan Mackinnon might give him a spark on the ice.
Colorado did a great job in the off season, getting all these pieces to build depth and to cover the empty hole that Landeskog leaves behind. A healthy line up could result in a second Stanley Cup in three years.