NHL Central Division Power Rankings: Examining each team's pros and cons ahead of 2024/25 season 

The 2024-25 NHL season is here. Fans will be tuning in on Oct. 8 to see their favorite teams and stars kick off the exciting action that will end with the Stanley Cup in June 2025.

Here's a closer look at the Central Division power rankings ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season.

NHL Central Division power rankings

#8. Chicago Blackhawks

The painful rebuild in Chicago has yielded some bright spots. No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard is a budding superstar. His Calder Trophy performance bodes well for the Blackhawks as they look to build around him. The core of savvy veterans should provide Bedard with the support he needs to lead the team back into contention.

However, contention is still a long way away. The Blackhawks have good pieces in the organization but may need more time to transform the team into a winning formula. The lack of certainty in the crease is also a negative factor for the Blackhawks. The team should improve this season but may find it hard to exit the Central Division cellar.

#7. St. Louis Blues

The Blues’ bold move to offer sheet Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway could end up paying handsomely. Broberg could be the Blues’ future No. 1 blueliner while Holloway could be a solid top-six forward.

Beyond that, the cupboard is relatively bare for the Blues. Jordan Binnington has been inconsistent at times, while Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou are a big part of the team. Nevertheless, the loss of Torey Krug could limit the defense’s performance this season.

The Blues could make strides this season, but they may not be enough to earn the club a playoff spot.

#6. Minnesota Wild

The best thing going for the Wild is Kirill Kaprizov. He’s the real deal and only getting better. Kaprizov should lead the team as it looks to get out from the middle of the pack and into playoff contention.

Unfortunately, contending for a playoff spot may be easier said than done. The Wild lacks a high-caliber NHL netminder who can lead them in big games. Moreover, the defense looks a little thin beyond Brock Faber and Jared Spurgeon.

The Wild should have a solid season, but may ultimately fail to make the playoffs yet again.

#5. Utah Hockey Club

The Utah Hockey Club should be the surprise team of the Western Conference this year. New captain Clayton Keller will hope to lead the team to a successful campaign in its inaugural season. It seems the players and organization have put behind their Arizona days and are focused on turning a new page.

The Hockey Club is loaded with talent but lacks experience. That lack of experience could come back to haunt the Club, especially in big games. They will need to beat the powerhouses in the West to have a realistic shot at the playoffs.

If they get the goaltender they need from Connor Ingram and Karel Vejmelka, the playoffs could be within reach.

#4. Nashville Predators

The Preds are the most improved team this year. Adding Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei were masterful moves. Locking up Juuse Saros was even better. The Preds could be in for a dogfight with the Winnipeg Jets and the Utah Hockey Club for the third spot in the Central. If things go well for Nashville, third place wouldn’t be out of the question.

However, there’s a good chance things could go south for Nashville. Stamkos and Marchessault, while still top NHL forwards, are on the wrong side of 30. Moreover, the defense could falter beyond Skjei and Roman Josi.

In the end, everything needs to come together for the Preds. Otherwise, it could be a disappointing season in Music City.

#3. Winnipeg Jets

Speaking of the Jets, the odds are the Jets finish third. But that’s only because they are behind two of the best teams in the West. The Jets have talent throughout the lineup. So, it will be a question of transforming that talent into tangible results, especially in the playoffs.

Nevertheless, the Jets’ success rests almost entirely on elite NHL goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. If Hellebuyck can’t be lights out every night, the Jets could regress, making it possible for Nashville and Utah to leapfrog past the Jets.

#2. Colorado Avalanche

The only reason why the Avs are second is because the Dallas Stars are that good. Colorado has reigning Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon and the best NHL blueliner in Cale Makar. Then the remaining cast of characters like Mikko Rantanen, Devon Toews and rookie sensation Calum Ritchie could lead the Avs to the top of the Central Division.

Unfortunately, the biggest issue is goaltending. Alexandar Georgiev needs to play up to his usual standards. If not, Justus Annunen is waiting in the wings. But do the Avalanche want to rely on a young goalie to lead them? Sure, Annunen is ready for the NHL. But if Georgiev falters, the Avs may need to find answers in the crease.

#1. Dallas Stars

There isn’t much to be said about Dallas. Just looking at their lineup says it all. Roope Hintz is the next Sasha Barkov, along with Jason Robertson, Tyler Seguin and Matt Duchene lead the way. Logan Stankoven and Wyatt Johnston are the next wave of successful prospects to make it to the NHL for Dallas.

While there are no glaring holes for Dallas, the weakest link in the chain is Jake Oettinger. Oettinger has looked human at times. If that’s the case, the club will need to pick up the slack. If not, the Stars may lose more games than they would like, needlessly comprising their perch atop the Central Division.

Which Central Division team are you most excited to see next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.