Written by: Jenna Blake
Another NHL season has come and gone. After the draft and the mess that was the free agency deadline, hockey fans are in a reflective mood and looking forward to the next season. After the Blues Stanley Cup win, we are all reminded that anything can happen in this sport. That even a power machine like Tampa can lose and an underdog like St. Louis can win. I will be looking at everything in the central. All the moves that were made and then my overall consensus.
Nashville Predators
Even after a 100-point season, Smashville was eliminated in the first round by Dallas. It was the first time Nashville failed to make it past the first round since 2015. They were one of the many teams who shockingly didn’t progress to the second round. For the past couple of years, Nashville has been a killer in the playoffs. I mean the term “Smashville” is enough to intimidate other teams. Bridgestone Arena is insane. Every time they score the building vibrates. In the offseason, PK Subban was off to the Devils which cleared 27 million in their cap space. So, they bought Christian-Country boy Matt Duchene. It is no surprise that this is what Duchene has been wanting. Let us not forget about his appearance at the 2016 All-Star game in Nashville. Probably the happiest we have seen him ever in his career. The fact that he cares about where he is at now means he will contribute. He will bring some strength down the middle. Nashville will definitely be at the top, Renne will be their anchor once again. Nashville’s power will not be disappearing anytime soon. But Nashville fans, stop smashing cars. It’s tacky and dumb.
Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg has slowly become a main focus for the Central Division. This past season especially shows. With a 99-point season they were heading into the playoffs as a serious contender. But were also defeated in the first round by St. Louis. I find Nashville and Winnipeg very similar. They are both physical and have a lot of depth on all lines. In the Free Agency, the Jets lost winger Brandon Tanev and defensemen Tyler Myers. They also signed defensemen Nathan Beaulieu for 1 million dollars, Beaulieu was acquired in a trade with Buffalo. The defensemen has put up three goals and four assists. The Jets have the most cap space in the NHL with $27 million. They like many other teams, have some signing to do. A major RFA with them is Patrik Laine, as the Finnish winger still has yet to sign. I’d predict a big portion of that 27 mil, will go to Laine, if they are smart. There are some rumors that the Islanders are targeting Patrik, but Winnipeg would have to be the most idiotic team if they don’t sign him. I think Winnipeg and Nashville will fight for the top, but I would not be surprised if Winnipeg out does them.
St. Louis Blues
I mean what is there to say. They won and shocked everyone. I mean in the beginning of the season; the Blues were suffering. But in six short months, they turned it around. Many people were doubtful, but they shut those people up. The Blues don’t have the league’s star players, they just got lines of solid depth. I mean compared to Boston. They will be playoff bound but maybe not a second in a row Cup. Simply due to the fact that other teams have gotten stronger. But I’m gonna keep it short cause there isn’t much to say about the Champions. Congratulations to the St. Louis Blues. You all made Brad Marchand and Dave Portnoy upset, which is a bonus.
Dallas Stars
Where to start with Dallas? They are an offense god, but with veterans. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn are maybe one of the best duos in hockey right now. Dallas should not be taken lightly. They have an amazing offense with Seguin and Benn, but also a really good defense with Ben Bishop to back them up. They defeated Nashville in the first round but lost to St. Louis in the second round. But did not go down without a fight. It took seven games and two over times to defeat them. Others may say it’s their downfall, but I think it shows the future for them, and it is bright. An underrated team for sure. They are resilient. They signed Joe Pavelski with an AAV of $7 million for 3 years. As well as Corey Perry and Andrej Sekera for 1-year deals. They are taking are more experienced approach. Joe Pavelski will add some depth to the second line. These signings also add aspect to the offense. It will be very interesting to see how it plays out of them. This might be daring to say, but I would say potential Stanley Cup contenders.
Colorado Avalanche
Okay I’m going to try not to be biased. My boys had an amazing season. But it was scary at times. The second half, the playoffs seemed impossible, but somehow, they managed to get into the playoffs. And what a playoff season. Defeats the best team in the west, Calgary. Zadorov tweets,” How’s your bracket?”, and everyone on hockey twitter loses their god damn mind, brilliant times. In the second round they lost to San Jose in game 7. In the playoffs is where they showed the world who they truly are. Cale Makar made his NHL debut and impressed everyone. In the summer, is where Joe Sakic really snapped. He selects defensemen Bowen Byram fourth overall (Thanks Ottawa!). The blue line with Girard, Makar and Byram is going to be SOLID. Joe really hit it out of the park with this one. As well as making the biggest trade of the summer. You know Tyson Barrie and Alexander Kerfoot to Toronto in exchange for Nazem Kadri and Calle Rosen. This is huge for both teams. He also signed Andre Burakovsky. All of these signings add depth to the second line to support the Avs first top line. It’s no secret that Colorado is lowkey on a cup run. Just like Winnipeg, they have yet to sign a Finnish winger. Mikko Ranaten is still not signed. If you spend less than five minutes on my twitter, you know I am a huge advocate to get this damn deal done. It’s a no brainer. Last I heard they have both talked on the phone and slowly a deal is coming. Mikko says he is not stressed, but I sure am. Patience is what it’s going to take. But with all the signings and the field day at the draft, Colorado is going to have another year of improvement. Possible Central Division champs?
Chicago Blackhawks
I think it’s safe to say that Chicago’s dynasty days are over. They are not the victorious team they once were 4 years ago. I’m not gonna lie, sometimes I completely forget them. Their once star players are getting older (Some who will not be named, in the name of respect for women.) It is a slippery slope for them right now. They are trying to get back to where they were. Last year they fell six points behind a second wild card spot. This summer they tried to make their blue line better. They signed Oli Matta from Pittsburgh and Calvin De Haan from a trade. I do believe that both of these aspects will do some good for their blue line. You can’t win forever and right now we are seeing a rebuild for them. Which is strange to see, right? They have been a top contender in the league in recent years. But they are in a transition period right now. They are ending an era and entering another. I don’t think they will be a serious contender for a while, or until some serious changes are made.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild struggled the second half…bad. Dare I say shit show? The midseason trade of Nino Niederreiter for Victor Rask was disastrous. While Niederreiter was thriving with the Canes, Rask put up a total of 3 points. They were seven points behind making it to the playoffs (Shout out to the Avs for that one). Obviously, GM Paul Fenton was fired. Tom Kurvers is the current interim GM. The Wild signed Mats Zuccarello to a 5-year $30 million contract. But is he enough? A trade of Charlie Coyle going to the Bruins for Mikael Granlund to the Preds and receiving Ryan Donato and Kevin Fiala happened this summer. Minnesota is in panic mode at the moment. They were on a six-playoff appearance streak. Are these additions enough or was last season a fluke?
The Central division has been a tough division in recent years. It is always close and competitive. A couple of points always separates the teams. With the moves that some teams made, it will be even more competitive, which is great for our stress levels for us fans. There are some power houses here and surprises. It will be an interesting and fun season. Dallas and Colorado are going to be the ones to watch out for. Anyway, is it October yet?