Predicting the Divisions

Part 2 of my anual predictions, today we will take a look at the Central Division, arguably the weakest divsion in the league.

1. St Louis Blue- GM Sal Peralta

As i stated earlier in the year, GM Peralta is quietly putting together a dynasty team in my opinion. From the top line, down to the 4th line, their are players that can challenge any line in this league. With guys like Taylor Hall, Marian Gaborik, Mike Green and Fedor Tyutin leading the charge, and guys like Tarasenko, Pajjarvi, Howden and Lehner developing.St Louis should be the team to beat in this divison. One big question ahead is if Seymon Varlamov will be a good enough goalie? St Louis boasts the second  best blue line in the division. So this should help Varlamov keep pucks out of the net.

2.  Colorado Avalanche - GM Denis Leblanc

If any team can challenge St Louis, its the Colorado Avalanche. Stamkos, Carter and Callahan are a top line that any team would envy. One issue for this team is the lack of a second line centre. Marcel Goc, a defensive specialist, is currently centering Jagr and Moulson on the second line. What colorado lacks up front, they definitley make up on defense. Letang, Seabrook Morris and Campbell as a top 4 is something that teams should be scared of.  GM Leblanc has also started to stock pile draft picks for the upcoming draft. Will he deal some of them for a quality 2nd line centre?

3. Minnesota Wild- GM Terry Mckenzie

A team in the divison who is really short on depth, but lucky for Minnesota, they do have some quality players in guys like Marleu, Perron, Cammaleri, Weber, Franson and Crawford. When your top defenseman is Shea Weber, your gonna be able to steal games. If GM Mckenzie can add a top pairing winger, he should be able to make the playoffs, especially in this divison.

4. Chicago Blackhawks- GM Mikaa Lakso

It is hard to determine what exactly the plan is in Chicago. With a GM whos particiapation in this league is questionable, only time will tell. With players like Staal, Seguin, Van Remsdyke, Carle, and star goaltender Craig Anderson, this team has a collection of players that will be able to steal games for them. With the proper ( and commited )  GM on this team that would not be afraid to make some trades, Chicago has the potential to be something special. Lucky for them, they play in a weak divison

5. Winnipeg Jets- GM Alvaro Silvan

Winnipeg defintiley has some special players, with guys like Bergeron, Phaneuf. Luongo, Girardi and Gionta. But after these 5 players, their is not alot of guys that will scare the opposition. With another GM who has been a ghost, it looks like this is a team that will " play as is".

6. Dallas Stars- GM Kevin Rocket

Dallas is in need of some serious help. They simply dont have enough NHL calibre guys that can collectively win hockey games. Pekka Rinne may be able to steal a handful of games for this team, but it wont be enough. This is an aging team which is in need of a rebuild. Will GM Rocket start the rebuild now, or wait until after this season? Maybe Dallas feels they dont need a rebuild. Time will tell.

7. Nashville Predators- No GM

Nashville has been hit hard by GM's who have totally destroyed this team. It is currently being run by the league in hopes of adding some quality players. Expect Nashville to challenge for the number 1 overall pick at the end of the season.