The NHL's Central Division is shaping up to be a gauntlet once again in the 2025-26 season, with several teams vying for playoff spots and potentially a Stanley Cup. Predicting the exact order of finish is a difficult task, but the division is expected to be highly competitive with a mix of established contenders and rising teams.
The Dallas Stars appear to be the team to beat in the Central Division. After a Conference Finals exit, they've re-signed key players like Matt Duchene, Nils Lundkvist, and Jamie Benn. They also managed to free up cap space by trading Mason Marchment and Matt Dumba. With a solid core and promising young players, the Stars are aiming for another deep playoff run. Their top players, such as Oettinger, Hintz, Heiskanen, Harley, and Johnston, are all at an age where they still have many years of high-level play ahead of them.
The Winnipeg Jets are also expected to be a strong contender. Despite losing Nikolaj Ehlers, the Jets' key players like Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck are still in their prime. The Jets are the oldest team in the NHL by average age, putting pressure on them to capitalize on their current window of contention.
The Colorado Avalanche, after a few seasons of declining performance since their Stanley Cup win, remain a competitive team. The return of a healthy Gabriel Landeskog could provide a boost, and they've added Brock Nelson. However, some believe their prospect pool is among the worst in the NHL. While still competitive, they might be more of a gatekeeper than a top dog in the Central.
Several other teams are looking to make a push for the playoffs. The St. Louis Blues are an intriguing team, with young players like Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg making significant contributions. With Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas in their prime, the Blues could challenge for a playoff spot.
The Utah Hockey Club, now known as the Utah Mammoth, will be looking to improve after their inaugural season. Minnesota has a lot of young players they're trying to bring in, which could either be a boon or backfire.
The Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks are predicted to be at the bottom of the division.
Overall, the Central Division is expected to be a "bloodbath" with potentially five playoff teams emerging from it. The division is difficult to predict, with many teams capable of making the playoffs. Factors such as coaching changes, player development, and team chemistry will play a crucial role in determining the final standings.
