đ 2025â26 NHL Central Division Season Outlook: Power Shifts and Emerging Contenders
Hereâs a full-season outlook for the Western Conferenceâs Central Division of the NHL for 2025-26 â covering each teamâs strengths, weaknesses, outlook, predictions and odds, followed by a conclusion summing up how the division will play out.
The Central Division has quietly become one of the deepest and most competitive divisions in the NHL. Coming off a 2024-25 season in which multiple Central clubs made the playoffs, the 2025-26 campaign brings both continuity and change.
Teams that were contenders are looking to take the next step; younger clubs are trying to break through; and the odds suggest that the margin for error is narrower than ever.
From a betting and forecasting standpoint, the division features a mix of clear contenders, bubble clubs and rebuilding squads. As one preview put it: âThis division is going to be the toughest division to conquer in the league.â
With that in mind, come along with the hockey viking as we examine each team in turn, assess their prospects, and then provide predictions for the division standings and playoff implications.
The Central Division enters 2025-26 as one of the most tightly packed, high-stakes divisions in the NHL. Several teams are legitimately in contention for the Stanley Cup, and small margins will separate playoff spots and seeding. According to recent previews, the Central is described as âarguably the best in the NHL, with as many as six teams that could compete for playoff spots.â
With elite talent on several rosters and some intriguing narratives (coaching changes, aging cores, young breakouts, injury concerns), the division promises both intrigue and volatility. Outside of the bottom-two teams, thereâs relatively little margin for error. A few takeaway themes for 2025-26:
The top teams must balance regular-season dominance with deeper playoff runs; prior years have shown teams winning the division but stumbling in rounds.
Depth and resilience will matter: when injuries hit (as they do), the difference between a mid-tier team and a contender becomes clear.
Goaltending and size of the two-way game (defence + transition) will continue to be differentiators.
The divisionâs competitiveness means that every intra-division game carries extra value; beating direct rivals may decide playoff seeding more than games against weaker conferences.
Given that context, the Central Division should produce 3â4 playoff teams, and possibly a division champion thatâs truly battle-tested. Recent odds illustrate that the Central winner could easily come down to a handful of points.
Projected Central Division Standings
Dallas Stars (~108-112 pts)
Colorado Avalanche (~105-108 pts)
Winnipeg Jets (~100-104 pts)
St. Louis Blues (~95-99 pts)
Utah Mammoth (~90-94 pts)
Minnesota Wild (~88-92 pts)
Nashville Predators (~80-85 pts)
Chicago Blackhawks (~70-75 pts)
These projections place 5 teams in the playoff conversation, two borderline, and one likely rebuilding.
Odds and Betting Outlook
According to CBS Sports (FanDuel) pre-season: Central Division winner odds: Dallas Stars (+175), Colorado Avalanche (+300), Winnipeg Jets (+410).
CBS Sports
Summary
The Central Division of the NHL for 2025-26 is compellingâbalanced between elite contenders and rising challengers. A few take-aways:
The Dallas Stars are the clear favorite, both based on roster and prediction consensus, but they face the perpetual challenge of âtaking the next stepâ in the playoffs.
The Colorado Avalanche have elite star talent and perhaps less pressure than last seasonâif healthy, they could be dangerous.
The Winnipeg Jets are very strong, but small dips in production or injury could cost them the division.
The mid-tier (St. Louis, Utah, Minnesota) represent value spots: if things go right, they can challenge; if not, they may get squeezed out.
The lower tier (Nashville, Chicago) are more about trajectory than immediate gloryâimportant seasons for foundation.
For fans and analysts both: the margin for error in the Central is narrow. Most games against division foes carry amplified impact. Expect the playoff race to run late into the season, and donât be surprised if a couple of teams exceed or fall short of expectations by 5â10 points.
In short: if youâre choosing one team to win the Central, pick Dallas. But if youâre looking for intrigue, depth, and value, Colorado, Winnipeg or even St. Louis could provide storylines.
Playoff outlook:
I believe the Central will send at least three teams to the playoffs (Jets, Stars, Avalanche) and quite possibly four (if Blues push through). Given the strength of the division, wildcard spots may go to one or two of the lower ranked clubs. The Avalanche and Stars look like the clubs likeliest to make noise beyond the first round; The Blues might be quietly dangerous. Others are either developing or drifting behind.
Key Storylines & X-Factors
Here are a few overarching themes to watch in the division:
Health & goaltending matter more than ever. The difference between contending and falling short often comes down to goaltender performance and staying healthy over 82 games + playoffs.
Depth wins out in deep divisions. The Centralâs depth means teams with one weak link (offense, defence or special teams) will be punished.
Young players breaking out will shake up the standings. For example, a team like St. Louis or Utah could surge if a prospect steps up. Conversely, teams that stagnate may slip.
Coaching and experience count. The top teams (Jets, Stars) benefit from continuity, veteran core and coaching that knows how to close games. Clubs behind them need to build that.â
Special teams & underlying metrics. Some previews noted that Minnesotaâs underlying expected-goals numbers were weak.
These kinds of underlying markers often foreshadow regression (positive or negative), so watching special teams and expected-goals will be crucial.
Division race could be very tight. With high floor teams, the margin between second, third and fourth in this division may come down to a handful of games. The difference between home Âice and missing the playoffs could be razor thin.
Team Outlooks
đ„ Colorado Avalanche: Reigning Champions with High Expectations
2024â25 Recap: The Avalanche got ousted in the playoffs by the Dallas Stars for the second season in a row.
Key Additions: Forward Alex Newhook, defenseman Bowen Byram
Key Losses: Forward J.T. Compher, defenseman Erik Johnson
Outlook: The Avalanche enter the 2025â26 season as defending champions, with high expectations to repeat their success. The team’s core remains intact, with Nathan MacKinnon leading the offense and Cale Makar anchoring the defense. The additions of Newhook and Byram provide depth and versatility.
Summary
Colorado continues to have star-power in spades. With centre Nathan MacKinnon, defenceman Cale Makar (fresh off a Norris Trophy) and a core of talent, they have the upside of a true contender. What holds them back is consistency and depthâespecially given the physical demands of the division.
Player Movement
Key return of Landeskog and others helps stabilize roster.
Minimal major departures; added internal reinforcements rather than blockbuster trades.
Strengths
Elite top-end: With MacKinnon, Makar and supporting talent, the ceiling is very high.
Depth across the lineup: The offensive and defensive balance is strong.
Healthier start: Being near full strength from Day 1 gives them a jump.
Weaknesses
Capable of under-performing in second half: Past seasons show regression.
Depth/consistency outside the top lines: When injuries hit, the third and fourth lines may be exposed.
Competition within division: Every night in the Central is a grind, and margin of error is slim.
Prediction
Finish 2nd in Central Division with ~105-108 points. Theyâll be top-three seed, win a playoff round, and could be outsiders for the Cupâbut this team still needs to prove it can beat Dallas in the playoffs.
đ„ Dallas Stars: Stanley Cup Aspirants
2024â25 Recap: The Stars reached the Western Conference Final but fell short of the Cup.
Key Additions: Forward Max Domi, defenseman Ryan Suter
Key Losses: None
Summary
Dallas remains one of the class-acts in the division and the league. Their core is deep, talented, experienced and built for contention: forwards like Mikko Rantanen and Jason Robertson, a strong top pairing on defence, and goaltender Jake Oettinger anchoring the net. Their window is now. Pete Deboer lost his job because he couldn’t win the Cup. It’s Cup or bust for this team.
Season Outlook
Expect Dallas to compete for the division title, likely finishing near the top of the Central. Their goalsâagainst numbers and five-on-five strength remain impressive. But the question is: can they change the narrative of playoff exits? Head coach Glen Gulutzan returns, in what is being called his second stint with the club, seeking to usher a new phase.
Player Movement
Retained Bennett, Rantanen, Robertson, and strong defensive core.
They appear to have made fewer headline splash moves, relying on what they already have. Depth additions such as Nathan Bastian (one-year contract) add size and grit.
Strengths
Top-end talent: Rantanen & Robertson form a lethal combo; Oettinger is among the best in net.
Defensive structure: They allowed ~2.71 goals per game last season (sixth in NHL) and scored ~3.35 goals per game (third in NHL) in the regular season.
Experience: Multiple deep playoff runs give them the maturity edge.
Weaknesses
Depth question: With minimal big new additions, the second and third lines may need to sustain higher production.
Coaching and system change: Adjusting to Gulutzanâs style may take time, especially in high-pressure moments.
Injuries: Bennâs condition early and maintaining top-line health will matter.
Prediction
Finish 1st in Central Division with ~108-112 points. Theyâll be the divisionâs pick to win the regular-season crown, but may again fall short of the Cup without improvement in playoff conversion.
đ„ Winnipeg Jets: Presidents’ Trophy Winners Seeking Consistency
2024â25 Recap: The Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy with a league-best 116 points but were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.
Key Additions: Forward Pierre-Luc Dubois
Key Losses: Forward Blake Wheeler
Outlook: The Jets aim to build on their regular-season success and achieve postseason glory. The team’s high-powered offense, led by Kyle Connor and Mark Scheiffle, remains a strength. However, questions linger about their defensive consistency and goaltending depth.
Summary
Coming off an outstanding 2024-25 season (Presidentsâ Trophy winners) the Jets enter 2025-26 with high expectationsâbut also questions. The departure of winger Nikolaj Ehlers to the Carolina Hurricanes leaves a hole in secondary scoring. The team remains very strong structurally (goaltending, defence) but may regress slightly simply by statistical mean and roster movement.
Season Outlook
Expect Winnipeg to remain a top-tier regular-season team with a chance to challenge for the division crownâbut the margin for error is smaller. The big unknown: can they keep up the offensive production without Ehlers. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck remains a rock. Injuries to captain Adam Lowry (hip surgery) and defenceman Dylan Samberg (broken wrist) will test depth early.
Player Movement
Departures: Ehlers (top-six winger).
Additions: veterans such as Jonathan Toews, Gustav Nyquist, Tanner Pearson and others bring experience but perhaps not the same upside.
Daily Faceoff
Lock-in: defence extended Neal Pionk to six years ($42 M) solidifying back end.
Reuters
Strengths
Elite goaltending: Hellebuyck remains among the best.
Defensive core: When healthy, subtle and effective.
Proven regular-season machine: The culture of winning and structure is intact.
Weaknesses
Secondary scoring: Loss of Ehlers raises questions.
Ageing depth additions: Toews and Nyquist are past prime; their upside is limited.
Injuries to leadership/defence: Lowry and Samberg missing time early is a concern.
Prediction
Finish 3rd in Central Division with ~100-104 points. Make playoffs, win a round, but not expected to challenge for the division title unless all goes perfectly. The Jets enter as the favorite in the division. If they remain healthy and maintain form, they should again finish near or at the top of the Central.
Minnesota Wild: Playoff Contenders with a Strong Core
2024â25 Recap: The Wild secured a playoff berth but were eliminated in the first round.
Key Additions: Forward Kirill Kaprizov (signed to an eight-year, $136 million extension)
Key Losses: Forward Marcus Foligno
Outlook: With Kaprizov’s long-term commitment, the Wild have a cornerstone player to build around. The team’s depth and defensive prowess make them a formidable opponent. The success of the Wild will depend on the development of young talents and the performance of goaltender Juuse Saros.
Summary
The Wild sit in the middle of the pack: capable of making a push, but likely more of a âdark horseâ than a favorite.
Season Outlook
Expect Minnesota to contend for a playoff spot, but they may lack the consistent high-end star power and depth compared to the top five. If their younger players step up and goaltending holds, they could ascend to 6th place or even 5th.
Player Movement
Acquired forward Vladimir Tarasenko from Detroit for future considerations.
Otherwise, modest adjustments rather than radical overhaul.
Strengths
Balanced roster: with competent veterans and emerging younger players.
Well-structured: Teams like the Wild often overâachieve relative to expectations via system and competitiveness.
Weaknesses
Lack of breakout elite star: may struggle to generate the kind of surge needed.
Depth in crucial games: Might falter in high-stakes division matchups.
Prediction
Finish 5th in Central Division with ~88-92 points. Possible wild-card entrant if things align; otherwise just short.I project the Wild will finish 3rd in the Central. They should make the playoffs but may not match the top two in consistency. A strong year could see them climb further, but at present they look like the âthird wheelâ of the contenders.
St. Louis Blues: Rebuilding with a Focus on Youth
2024â25 Recap: The Blues missed the playoffs and began a rebuilding phase.
Key Additions: Forward Logan Cooley (signed to an eight-year, $77 million extension)
Key Losses: Forward Vladimir Tarasenko
Summary
The Blues are in a âB-plusâ tier in the division: good enough to contend for a playoff spot, but arguably one step behind the elite trio above. Recent previews suggest that they could upset the top three if things break right. I feel confident in this team after last year’s impressive run. But I still don’t think they are better than Dallas or Colorado, one of which they would most likely have to beat in the playoffs.
Season Outlook
Expect a competitive season where the Blues battle for 4thâ6th place in the Central. They added middle-six talent (Nick Bjugstad, Pius Suter) and seem to have a steady core. But they lack the top-end star power of Dallas/Colorado. If they can avoid regression and remain healthy, theyâll likely compete for a wild-card or low playoff seed.
Player Movement
Added: Suter, Bjugstad (middle-six forwards) to boost depth.
No major blockbuster moves; more incremental improvements.
Strengths
Balanced roster: decent at both ends of the ice; can play in many situations.
Coaching stability: Coach Jim Montgomery building second season with more familiarity.
Upside to surprise: With fewer expectations, capable of over-performing.
Weaknesses
Lacking dynamic star edge: Comparatively fewer elite players.
Offense may lag: They averaged 3.05 goals/game last season (13th in NHL) â acceptable, but behind top competitors.
NHL
Injury risk: Depth gets exposed when top players miss time.
Prediction
Finish 4th in Central Division with ~95-99 points. Make playoffs (or be in the wild-card conversation), but unlikely to win the division.
In a powerhouse division, playing âjust goodâ may not be enough. They may hover on the playoff bubble.
Nashville Predators: Rebuilding with Promising Prospects
2024â25 Recap: The Predators missed the playoffs and entered a rebuilding phase.
Key Additions: Forward Ivan Demidov (signed to an eight-year, $77 million extension)
Key Losses: Forward Filip Forsberg
Outlook: The Predators are focusing on developing young talents like Demidov. While immediate success may be limited, the team’s long-term prospects are promising. Expect a down season relative to the divisionâs top half. Nashville may flirt with 7th place in the Central and likely outside guaranteed playoff position. Their aim may be more about establishing foundation for future years.
Player Movement
Acquired defenceman Nicolas Hague from the Golden Knights in return for Colton Sissons and Jeremy Lauzon.
Modest moves â not a full fire-sale, but also not major reinvestment.
Strengths
Some veteran stability: defensive structure is still credible and experience remains.
Potential for growth: If younger players step forward, they may surprise.
Weaknesses
Not enough high-end offensive firepower.
Depth and consistency likely weaker than many rivals.
Prediction
Finish 6th in Central Division with ~80-85 points. Out of the main playoff conversation (or fighting for final wild-card), with realistic expectation of missing or being a lower seed. I project Nashville will finish 6th in the Central â likely out of the playoff picture or fighting for a wildcard spot, rather than being serious contenders for the division title.
Utah Mammoth: Rebuilding with a Focus on Development
2024â25 Recap: The Mammoth, formerly the Arizona Coyotes, missed the playoffs and began a rebuilding phase.
Key Additions: Forward Clayton Keller
Key Losses: Forward Dylan Guenther
Outlook: The Mammoth are in a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing young talents. The team’s future success will depend on the growth of these players and the establishment of a strong team culture.
Summary
One of the younger and more intriguing clubs in the division, the Mammoth are looking to make further strides toward legitimacy. They improved in their inaugural season and have made additions to support growth.
Season Outlook
The Mammoth should be in the mix for a 5th or 6th place spot (and possibly a wild card). Theyâre not quite deep enough yet to challenge the top tier, but their upward trajectory makes them one to watch. If they can get goaltending and depth production, they could make a surprise push.
Player Movement
Additions: Brandon Tanev, Nate Schmidt, traded for J.J. Peterka.
They continue to build rather than go all-in, giving them some upside but still work to do.
Strengths
Youth and energy: Less burden of expectations, allowing for growth.
Potential breakout contributors: Some younger players may take big steps this year.
Weaknesses
Depth and experience: They still lack the playoff-seasoned core of the divisionâs elite.
Goaltending/defensive questions: These will be tested at higher levels of competition.
Prediction
Finish 7th in Central Division with ~83-85 points. Probably just on the outside of a deep playoff run but improving. My projection places Utah 5th in the division. I donât expect them to make a major leap into the playoff mix this year, but they should build important experience.
Chicago Blackhawks: Rebuilding with a Focus on Youth
2024â25 Recap: The Blackhawks missed the playoffs and began a rebuilding phase.
Key Additions: None
Key Losses: None
Summary
Chicago remains in rebuild mode. While the presence of young stars (e.g., Connor Bedard) offers hope, this season is not likely to be about playoff contentionâbut about development, building culture and setting next-phase foundations.
Season Outlook
Expect Chicago to finish last (8th) in the Central Division and to focus on growth rather than wins. Theyâll use the season to gain experience, evaluate prospects and manage expectations accordingly. I project the Blackhawks will finish 7th (last) in the division. This year is more about development, gaining experience, and building toward future seasons rather than immediate contention.
Player Movement
Drafted Anton Frondell at 3rd overall in 2025.
Continued to add veterans as mentors and keep the young core developing.
Strengths
High potential: Bedard and emerging young players offer spark.
Freedom to experiment: Less pressure allows them to develop rather than chase short-term results.
Weaknesses
Lack of consistency, veteran depth and goaltending stability compared with top teams.
Rarely in elite games: the ceiling this year is limited.
Prediction
Finish 8th in Central Division with ~70-75 points. No realistic playoff contention this year, but building for future.
đź Predictions & Key Storylines
- Division Winner: Colorado Avalanche
- Playoff Bound: Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, St. Louis Blues
- Wild Card Contenders: Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators
- Rebuilding Focus: Utah Mammoth, Chicago Blackhawks
Key Storylines:
- Avalanche’s Title Return: The Avalanche aim to get back to their Stanley Cup winning ways and prove their dominance in the division.
- Stars’ Championship Aspirations: The Stars seek to capitalize on their deep roster and make a run at the Cup. Can they go further than they did last year?
- Jets’ Quest for Consistency: The Jets strive to translate their regular-season success into postseason victories. Will they fall apart in the playoffs again?
- Wild’s Developmental Progress: The Wild focus on developing young talents and building a strong team culture. Can Minnesota take the next step and win in the playoffs?
- Blues’ Rebuilding Efforts: The Blues concentrate on developing young players and establishing a foundation for future success. Are the Blues ready to become a top tier team?
Players to Watch: Talent Shaping the Season’s Outlook
As we zero in on the central battleground, it’s the standout players who’ll be grabbing the headlines and making or breaking their teams’ aspirations. The 2025 NHL season brings a fresh wave of talent alongside the established veterans who are set to keep us all on the edge of our seats.
We’re talking about those marquee players whose ice-cold executions can turn games on their heads in the blink of an eye. These are the guys redefining what’s possible on the ice, challenging records, and driving their teams forward when the stakes get high.
Emerging stars add another layer to this narrative. They’re the ones stepping out of the shadows, bringing fresh energy and unpredictability to the mix. Watching these young guns climb the ranks will be an exhilarating subplot of the season.
Trades and new signings have reshuffled the deck for a few teams, creating ripple effects across the division. The impact of these moves extends beyond stats; it shifts the dynamics, influencing everything from locker room morale to on-ice chemistry.
Here are five players to watch in the NHLâs Central Division â each brings something exciting, and youâll likely see them feature prominently this season.
Cale Makar (D â Colorado Avalanche)
Why watch him:
A premier defenseman in todayâs NHL â heâs won the Norris Trophy and is regarded as one of the best âall-aroundâ defenders in the game.
His offensive production from the blue line is elite: he posted 92 points (30 goals, 62 assists) in 2024-25.
In a division loaded with strong lines and elite forwards, having someone like Makar who can defend, transition, and score makes a big difference.
Nathan MacKinnon (C â Colorado Avalanche)
Why watch him:
MacKinnon is one of the top forwards in the game; he was the No.1 pick in 2013 and has lived up to the billing.
With MacKinnon and Makar both key pieces of Coloradoâs core, their performances often dictate how the team fares in the Central Division â which is very competitive.
ESPN.com
If youâre looking for the âimpact playerâ in terms of scoring and driving play, MacKinnon is right there.
Miro Heiskanen (D â Dallas Stars)
Why watch him:
Heiskanen is a top-tier defenseman, and the Stars depend on him heavily on both ends of the ice.
Given the strength of the Central Division, watching how his defensive play and transitions compare against high-powered offenses (like Coloradoâs) is interesting.
He provides a good contrast to âall-offenseâ types: his two-way game is a model of balance.
Jason Robertson (W â Dallas Stars)
Why watch him:
Robertson is among the up-and-coming elite forwards; his scoring ability makes him someone opponents must game-plan for.
In the Central Division where games often hinge on key scoring bursts, players like Robertson can tip the balance.
If you want to track emerging talent thatâs making a significant impact now (rather than purely veteran names), Robertson fits that bill.
Kirill Kaprizov (W â Minnesota Wild)
Why watch him:
Kaprizov is a dynamic offensive player who can ignite a game â in a division where depth matters, having a game-changer is vital.
The Wild may not always be the strongest team in the Central, but Kaprizovâs presence means they can upset stronger opponents.
From a fan perspective, his skill set offers highlight-reel potential; from a competitive perspective, games where he shows up are ones to keep an eye on.
The Road Ahead: Team Prospects for Playoffs and Beyond
The Central Division is a hotbed of teams with big ambitions and challenges aplenty. As we map out this journey, evaluating their playoff chances becomes a game of its own. With every win counting towards the ultimate playoff spots, every performance matters significantly.
Strategic approaches are crucial. Coaches and teams are laying down plans, adjusting rosters, and implementing plays that could be game-changers in tight contests. Whether itâs refining penalty kills or boosting offensive plays, strategic adjustments define a team’s trajectory.
Potential hurdles? Oh, they’re there alright. Injuries can change a team’s fortunes in an instant, as can slumps in form or off-the-ice issues. These hurdles are what test a teamâs depth and resolve, creating crossroads that could lead to glory or despair.
Nevertheless, opportunities abound. Momentum gained early in the season can carry teams through tougher fixtures, turning underdogs into playoff contenders. Watch for the teams that capitalize on hot streaks; they often end up as the wild cards who edge out in thrilling playoff races.
From here, it’s about who can keep the stamina and composure to potentially lift the Stanley Cup. Analyzing these dynamics provides not just predictions but insight into the very nature of competition in the Central, where every puck drop sets the tone for whatâs to come.
Conclusion: Reflecting on the Path to Stanley Cup Glory
As we wrap our heads around the unfolding drama of the NHL Central Division, it’s clear that the storylines in place will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Teams have set their sights high for the 2025 season, and the journey is already unfolding in spectacular fashion.
Early performances often set the tone, offering hints about who might have the stamina to go the distance. A few breakout stars or unexpected twists can shift the trajectory in exciting ways, proving season predictions wrong.
The Central Division’s unpredictability is part of what makes following the sport such a thrill. From mid-season turnarounds to surprise playoff runs, there’s plenty to anticipate. Fans will have ample opportunities to witness seasoned pros and fresh faces alike strive for excellence.
Season’s end might still be a way off, but the seeds for Stanley Cup glory are being sown right now. It’s a thrilling dance of strategy, skill, and spirit, and everyone has their part to play in this grand hockey saga.
All told, the Central Division remains a microcosm of modern NHL â balance, depth, and the premium on structure and consistency. The 2025-26 campaign should deliver high drama, and whoever emerges on top will have earned it.
Check out the hockey viking’s outlook for the other divisions, and stick around for the hockey season because the hockey viking will have you covered with all the juiciest hockey news.