Bold Predictions for the NHL’s Central Division in 2026-27

The NHL’s Central Division sent four teams to the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. The Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and Utah Mammoth each entered the tournament, with the Avalanche reaching the Western Conference Final. Each of these teams will look to be in the thick of things once again, but we cannot forget about the other teams in their division.

As we prepare for the 2026-27 season, let’s make some bold predictions for each Central Division team.

Colorado Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon Scores 60

After scoring 53 goals last season, Nathan MacKinnon looks to continue that success this season. It was a great season for the Nova Scotia native, but things fell apart for him and the team in the Western Conference Final. Injuries to MacKinnon and Cale Makar derailed the Avs, and the Vegas Golden Knights swept them.

MacKinnon hates losing. His comments following the 2021 postseason and last season’s gold medal game showed that. How did the 2021-22 season end? MacKinnon and the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup. I will not go that far, at least not now, but I know that MacKinnon gets mad; he digs his skates into the ice and plays harder. We will see that on the scoreboard this season, as he scores 60 goals for the first time in his career.

Dallas Stars: Jason Robertson Signs Another 1-Year Contract

Things didn’t look good for either party when the summer started. However, Jason Robertson is back with the Stars on a one-year contract. However, many think the 45-goal scorer is destined for a new team sooner rather than later. It will be hard for the Stars to retain so many scorers.

Yet, I think they will try. Robertson wants to stay in Dallas. Furthermore, the Stars will have Tyler Seguin’s salary coming off the books after this season. The salary cap is set to keep rising. Both teams agree to another one-year deal to buy time to see if they can reach an extension. At 27, Robertson is still in the prime of his career. Even if the Stars do not trade him until 2027-28, they should still get a strong return, and Robertson will be able to sign a large extension with his new team.

Minnesota Wild: Trade For Dylan Larkin

This may not be a truly bold prediction, as Dylan Larkin‘s name keeps coming up in trade rumors. It seems likely the Detroit Red Wings move on from their now-former captain.

Larkin would be a strong fit in Minnesota. The organization is looking to build off their trip to the second round last season. Adding an elite center who has scored 30-plus goals in five straight seasons helps them move the needle. Furthermore, they have an asset they can move: goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. With Filip Gustavsson locked in through 2031 and the Wild needing a number-one center, this trade makes complete sense. Wallstedt would not be the only piece going to Detroit, but he would be the headliner.

Utah Mammoth: Franchise First 50-Goal Scorer

Because the NHL labels Utah an “expansion franchise” and removed the histories of the Arizona/Phoenix Coyotes and original Winnipeg Jets, the Mammoth have not had a 50-goal scorer.

That changes this season, as Dylan Guenther will score 50 goals. The Edmonton native has consistently increased his goal production by a decent margin since joining the league. After 18 goals in 2023-24, he increased that by nine in 2024-25, then by 13 last season, for 40 goals. A 10-goal increase does not seem unrealistic for the forward.

St. Louis Blues: Top Line Surges

If you watched my season preview video a few weeks ago, you will know what this is.

Robert Thomas, Dylan Holloway, and Jimmy Snuggerud will combine for 85-plus goals this season. Thomas will hover around 25 goals as usual, while Holloway and Snuggerud will each score 30-plus. Health is a big part of this, but the potential is there for this line. I also think Holloway has a chance to reach the 40-goal mark, something the Blues haven’t seen since Vladimir Tarasenko in 2015-16.

Nashville Predators: Wood Scores 25-Plus

Matthew Wood had a strong rookie season for the Predators, scoring 17 goals in 71 games. In 2025-26, he will have a breakout season and score 25-plus goals.

Wood’s best chance to do so will come on the power play. The Alberta native will start the season on the Preds’ top unit, which includes Steven Stamkos, Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly, and Roman Josi. If this unit can click, Wood could emerge as one of the league’s top sophomores this season.

Winnipeg Jets: At Least Two Core Players Are Traded

Connor Hellebuyck may be the name on the trade market now, but once he moves, the floodgates will open. Other core members of the Jets, like Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey, will want out too. A rebuild is beginning in Winnipeg.

The Jets do not need to try to avoid the inevitable. Their window has closed. It closed suddenly, but it closed all the same.

Chicago Blackhawks: Newcomer Reaches 50 Assists

Bowen Byram is the shiny new toy in Chicago this season. The rebuilding organization paid a high price to get him, but they feel he can be a key part of their future.

This season, Byram will make a big impact. The Blackhawks are rebuilding, but there is offensive upside. Connor Bedard, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Anton Frondell should lead the team in scoring. A returning Patrick Kane should contribute another 15-20 goals. How does this affect Byram? Well, someone has to help set up those goals. The 25-year-old defenseman will record 50 assists in his first season in the Windy City.

Check Back Throughout the Season

It will be fun to refer back to this throughout the season to see how accurate or inaccurate I am. Bold predictions are always fun to make. Be sure to check back with The Hockey Writers, as other writers may be doing similar for other divisions.

I have one final prediction, but it’s not bold at all. When the puck drops for the first time on Tuesday, all will be right in the hockey world.