Central Division

Prediction

With another DCHL season just around the corner it is time for another season prediction this time the Central Division. Last season the Central proved to be the better Western Confernce division with 5 team making the playoffs and only 3 from the Pacific. I personlly think this year we could see 4 teams from both make playoffs.

Leading the Division this year we have............

1. Utah Mammoth.

Last year we saw Utah finnish the season 4th in the division and 7th in the West, to some that comes to a surprise with the talent they have on there team. With no changes to the core this offseason it looks like GM Sifton has faith in his team and the ability for them to Take over the Central. for me it was a very tight race who I was putting at 1 but with a top 6 containing Svechnikov, Barkov, Nichushkin, Caufield, Karlsson and Marchenko and a D core of Parayko and Bouchard as the top pair and Oettinger as your number 1 goalie. If Utah doesn't finnish 1st in the division i think it could be having Jett Greaves as your backup, I'm not saying hes a horrible goalie he has a bright future  and i'm a big fan i'm just not sure he will have a winning record in those 17 games he has to play.  

2. Minnesota Wild.

This is where it gets fun the defending Central Division champs. Personally it was between Minnesota and Utah for 1st in the division the reason why I have Minnesota at 2 is soley on the fact that they don't have stronger D then Utah. This is where it gets interesting though I feel if GM Firestone get upgrade there D  then they can 100% be the top team again especially with the golaie depth they have Thompson, Demko, Dostal and Levi if he can trade one to upgrade his Defence they the battle for ther top could be interseting.

3. Dallas Stars

The reason for having Dallas at 3 is soley based on there forward group with Robertson, Jarvis, Wilson, Benn, Laine, Johnston and Nazar. Obvs there D needs work and could use a stronger goalie there is still lots of positives with Dallas

4. Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks took some positve strides last year from being at the bottom 2 years ago to being the 2nd best team in central. It keeps looking positive for them for years to come with William Eklund already in his lineup and the likes of Gabriel Perreault and Lukas Dragicevic coming up soon. I feel the blackhawks are still ways away from being the best in the central but i feel they will contiune to be around 2-4 in the division for years.

5. Colorado Avalanche

Last year wasn't the year GM Caughell had in mind finnishing dead last in the division. here came the offseaon where he added Jonathan Marchessault and Alex Debrincat to his top 6 and adding Brenden Dillon to the backend. The next few few will be rough for Colorado has he will have to rely on free agent signings and trades to keep his keep competive has he only has 1 RFA NHL player on his roster the rest being UFA's.

6. Winnipeg Jets

Wow what a jump the Jets had at the draft lottery going from 12th - 2nd drafting Michael Misa. The jets will miss the playoffs again this year. I can't see them being competive this year with only really 1 solid line. With some nice prospects coming up in the system the Jets can ber a good team in years to come.

7. St Louis Blues

The St.Louis blues had a hard fight at the end of the season last year to make the playoffs going on a 9-1 record in the last 10 games. it does look like we are seeing a rebuild take place with the only player he has left in Auston Matthews and UPL. 

8.

Finally we have a GM in Nashville. there isn't alot to talk about here for this season for nashville as they are in rebuild mode now. with a future that will be very bright with 9 picks in the 1st 2 round of the 2026 draft and a boat load of very promising prospect the Preds could taske over the divison in the future.

Final Pre Season Prediction

1. Utah

2. Min

3. Dal

4. Chi

5. Col

6. Wpj

7. Stl

8. Nsh