Puck Prose
Fansided

NHL Predictions for 2016-17 Regular Season – Central Division

By Daniel Mcclue

Mar 29, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) and Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg (3) chase the puck during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Predators 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) and Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg (3) chase the puck during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Predators 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
Oct 3, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) celebrates his teams win with Jets forward Michael Hutchinson (34) over the Ottawa Senators after the third period at MTS Centre. Jets won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) celebrates his teams win with Jets forward Michael Hutchinson (34) over the Ottawa Senators after the third period at MTS Centre. Jets won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /

Winnipeg Jets, 6th – 84 points

Before the season has even started the Jets were dealt a huge blow. Defenseman Jacob Trouba requested a trade. While the Jets look set to receive a big package in return – essentially a like-for-like swap but someone left-handed – Trouba is talented and could help hugely in the tricky Central.

More from Puck Prose

A young forward group coming through will be good for them in a few years time. Unfortunately, it’s hard to see the likes of Kyle Connor, Patrik Laine and Nic Petan having such a big impact now. Mark Scheifele was outstanding for them last year and has been made alternate captain this season. Meanwhile, new captain Blake Wheeler is always tough to play against and will score goals. They lack depth goal scoring, only Wheeler, Scheifele and Drew Stafford scored over 20 goals.

Even if/when they lose Trouba with Dustin Byfuglien, Toby Enstrom and Tyler Myers, they have three capable defencemen. Byfuglien is a terrific offensive weapon from the blue line and will always bring the hits. Enstrom recorded his lowest points tally since being in the league – ignoring the 22 games he played in the 2012/13 season – and should bounce back. While Myers is a top shutdown option.

With the other teams in the Central, it’s tough to see Winnipeg pushing for a playoff spot. However, if a number of their forwards can get hot, and their rookie’s slot in seamlessly they could be a dark horse.

Home/Central