In series three of the NHL X-Factors list, we dive into the Central Division. In case you missed the Atlantic and Metropolitan articles, please see below:
Atlantic Division Link: https://www.north6ix.ca/post/nhl-x-factors-part-1-atlantic-division
Metropolitan Division Link: https://www.north6ix.ca/post/nhl-x-factors-part-2-metropolitan-division
Arizona Coyotes
J.J. Moser
Listed at 6'0", 172 lbs, the 23-year-old Swiss prospect has room to develop physically to fend off the opponent's top lines. He demonstrates strong defensive and offensive metrics which should have the Coyotes taking a step forward as a franchise. To better the concept of a step forward, the Coyotes' additions of Matt Dumba and Sean Durzi should allow for better puck distribution from the defensive zone resulting in less time spent in their defensive end. Moser has a legitimate chance to be the Coyotes number one defenceman by year's end. Moser is an RFA at the end of the year and could set himself up for a lengthy extension with a strong showing this season.
Chicago Blackhawks
Nick Foligno
The Blackhawks rise to fame in the early 2010s has come and gone with the departure of captain Jonathon Toews and superstar Patrick Kane. Gone are the days of the big, bad Blackhawks who played that physical two-way game. Now with a new franchise player and a shuffle of the deck, the '23-'24 roster has its question marks. Will they have enough skill to compete with the league's elite and can they handle the physicality throughout an 82-game season? Besides, someone on the roster needs to protect their young prodigy Connor Bedard. Queue Nick Foligno. A long-time captain of the Blue Jackets is a heart-and-soul, everything-you-want type of player who is an example both on and off the ice. The leadership provided to this young core will be valuable in their development as NHL players for years to come. Foligno's presence and work ethic will be crucial for the team, especially for Bedard.
Colorado Avalanche
Alexandar Georgiev
The Avalanche demonstrated their elite talent against the league's best by winning the Stanley Cup in 2022 despite having mid-level goaltending. Colorado is undoubtedly a cup favourite with the likes of Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar -- Who are all in the prime of their careers. The Avs can score goals with the best of them so mid-tier goaltending may be enough again for the Avs to hoist Lord Stanley. With Georgiev's career 2.79 GAA and .912 SV%, an average season should have the Avalanche competing for the Central Division without a doubt.
Dallas Stars
Thomas Harley
Dallas has had several draft gems in recent years such as Jason Robertson, Miro Heiskanen, and Jake Oettinger. Now they may have found another. The 18th overall pick in the 2019 draft has a terrific opportunity to take the role of the Stars number two defenceman behind Miro Heiskanen. Listed at 6'3" and 188lbs, Harley is a physical presence on the backend with a strong skating ability for a player of his size. The Stars have a solid two-way forward group their defenceman an ease of mind knowing they have support. For young players in the league, this is crucial for development and Harley is in a terrific situation to gain valuable experience this season to build off of a great rookie campaign.
Minnesota Wild
Calen Addison
With the departure of Matt Dumba, an opportunity arises for Addison to take on greater responsibility with an increase in playing time and a chance to quarterback the Wild's powerplay. Coming from Pittsburgh in the Jason Zucker, Addison may already be the key piece of the trade. Following his first full season in Minnesota, the young defenceman will look to build on his 29-point campaign in just 62 games. With plenty of offense in Minnesota's lineup, an emphasis will be placed on defence-first and Addison could quickly become a league-known player for years to come. Look for Addison to improve on his -17 plus/minus and become a durable two-way defenceman for Minnesota.
Nashville Predators
Philip Tomasino
The 24th overall pick of the 2019 Draft hasn't delivered his breakout season just yet. However, the young forward began to come into his own with an uptick of time on ice towards the end of last season following several Predators injuries. With seemingly little competition in the Top 6, expect Tomasino to gain confidence using his speed and skill to create the offensive opportunities Nashville needs. Lacing up for a full season should allow for his career 9.6 shooting percentage to reach double digits resulting in more goals and points. There is a good opportunity for Tomasino in Nashville to obtain a top-line role and powerplay time with a strong showing early on.
St. Louis Blues
Jakub Vrána
Following a disappointing announcement of entering the NHLPA's player's assistance program, the crafty Czech forward has found a new home in St. Louis. Appearing in just 25 games over the past two seasons is a tough way to stay involved for even top-end prospects. However, Vrána scored 10 goals in 20 appearances for the Blues after the trade from Detroit, further proving his absence did not affect his goal-scoring production. A career 14.6 shooting percentage bodes well for a player who, when in the lineup, can produce top-six offensive numbers. Let's not forget that Vrána was a key depth piece to the Washington Capitals Stanley Cup run back in 2018 posting 8 points in 23 games as a 22-year-old. With a fresh start in St. Louis, there is a strong chance we may see Vrána post another 20-plus goal campaign.
Winnipeg Jets
Josh Morrissey
After the massive shakeup in Winnipeg resulted in Blake Wheeler being bought out and Pierre-Luc Dubois traded to the Kings, it appears a fresh start is in the works in the Whiteout. Morrissey was truly elite season last year posting a career-high 76 points in 78 games while averaging 24:14 TOI. He undoubtedly enters this season as the Jets top defenceman with the ability to play high-end minutes, all while shutting down the opponent's top players on the penalty kill and quarterbacking the team's top powerplay unit. Morrissey was recognized as one of the league's best entering the Norris conversation and finishing 5th in voting. Can he maintain the "Josh Norrissey" discussions into next season? Only time will tell if Winnipeg is due for a rebuild or a re-tool.
