Winnipeg - they are the real deal outside of their LHD, and 2C, but that’s assuming the Trouba situation gets worked out soon.
St. Louis - this was always our year to me since about three years ago. I could have never imagined that we make the moves we have made, but I had been banking on a reinforcement of Dunn, Kyrou, Thomas, Kostin, Thompson, Walman, and Husso to take us over the top, and so far it seems like three of those pieces are ready to make a big impact. Allen is the wild card to me - not team chemistry or whatever. I think Allen will surprise on occasion (in a good way), his average starts will be boosted by our offense to wins, his bad starts will be less detrimental, and his horrible starts will be mitigated enough to prevent them from becoming chronic.
Nashville - they have fallen behind STL and WPG at forward, and depending on what WPG adds at 2C, I’d likely pick WPG’s center over NSH. Their defense is too good to not make the playoffs, and their tandem is excellent.
Minnesota - they are still a Boudreau team, so they are going to be competing hard for the playoffs. I think they will make it in, but just barely. A few of their prospects might surprise this year and bring some much needed offensive talent, youth, and speed to their roster.
Colorado - Mackinnon will mackinnon. The team as a whole will cease to be a bunch of unknowns and become a team of household names that are universally recognized as the future. They’ll just barely miss the playoffs, and it will be due to their defense.
Dallas - I continue to alternate between Dallas and Colorado for these two spots. I went with Dallas here because I had forgotten Grubauer. Dallas just doesn’t have enough outside of their top line to compete in the Central. They have better forward depth than some wish to admit, but their defense and tandem are both too weak in comparison to the teams above them. If they were in a weaker division they would make the playoffs on their top talent alone.
Chicago - a lot has to go right for them to even challenge to make the playoffs. Crawford’s health, bounce-back years from everyone over the age of 27 - including Cam Ward, and bo help from rookies and nobody defensemen. I just don’t see most of any of that happening, so I’m expecting Chicago to be the only team in the Central to not eclipse 85pts.