Picking the Central is just ridiculous....I am not confident with ANY of this...except my top team.
Here goes:
#7 Minnesota Wild
The Wild would be battling for a top 3 spot in any other division, and I truly expect the Wild to be back in the playoff hunt next season. I really believe in Bill Guerin. I just find this division insane.
Worst Case:
The Wild take a few steps back this season in order to right this ship.
Best Case:
They may not be the best offensive or defensive team in this division, but they are one of the best all-around teams and finish 3rd.
They may trade for:
Scoring. A top 6 forward.
They could move at the deadline:
Mikko Koivu may be an interesting trading piece.
#6 Winnipeg Jets
The Jets issues on defense may derail them. But honestly I am not sure it will. This team, and the other 5 above them, could finish in ANY order...I am only putting them here because they have more question marks.
Worst Case:
6th
Best Case:
1st
They may trade for:
Defense. Defense.
They could move at the deadline:
Kulikov
#5 Nashville Predators.
This Division will be won or lost by the goalies. Rinne and Sauros are a very solid duo and of course the Preds defense is crazy solid. The big question mark for me is their forward group is made of of some great talents, but all of them tend to be streaky scorers...Can they take turns being hot and cold? If so look out.
Worst Case:
Laviolette has used up all of his tricks...They fall out of the playoffs.
Best Case:
Stanley Cup
They may trade for:
Picks
They could move at the deadline:
A lot...Granlund, Hamhuis, Watson, Salomaki.
# 4 Dallas Stars
I love the Pavelski addition and believe the Stars this year could be the Blues from last year. I could see them squeaking into the playoffs but eventually they could be unbeatable...Sky is the limit. Worst Case:
The defense lets them down or injuries keep them out of the post season.
Best Case:
Stanley Cup
They may trade for:
Picks
They could move at the deadline:
I don’t see them moving anyone…
#3 St Louis Blues.
I don’t see the Blues falling off much. Billington for a full year and their confidence is crazy high. Could finish anywhere from 1-4.
Worst Case:
4th
Best Case:
Repeat
They may trade for:
picks
They could move at the deadline:
If things really fell apart, Brayden Schenn.
#2 Colorado Avalanche D
Yes, I too am on the bandwagon. This is a serious team with serious firepower and a young core that will be a force. I am not sure they are there yet however. I put them at #2 because I think they are...but their goaltending worries me a bit.
Worst Case:
They aren’t ready. And they fall out of the playoffs...
Best Case:
They are the Conference Finalists.
They may trade for:
A backup Keeper...
They could move at the deadline:
Colin Wilson #1 Chicago Blackhawks
The Hawks are back. I really feel that they are going to be a dangerous team. This is still a team with top flight talent and maybe more second flight talent than they have ever had. Plus having two top goalies will win them a ton of games.
Worst Case:
I am wrong. They finish 6th like many have them...But I don’t see it.
Best Case:
They win the division and are a force in the playoffs.
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