Way too early power rankings for the Central Division

5. Winnipeg Jets

The Jets have had great potential for several years, but the 2020-21 season features a lot of questions for Winnipeg. The defense is where I have questions, as several defensemen have departed in the last couple of offseasons.

With the likes of Jacob Trouba, Dustin Byfuglien, Tyler Myers, Ben Chiarot, and Dmitry Kulikov all leaving Winnipeg within a year-and-a-half, a lot of pressure falls on the shoulders of netminder Connor Hellebuyck. He was up to the task last season, and he will have to be again this year.

Offensively there are questions as well. Bryan Little will not be available, Patrik Laine trade rumors will continue to swirl, and Mark Scheifele will be returning from an injury. Winnipeg has plenty of weapons at forward, but there is more uncertainty this year than in years past.

If there is a team in the Central that could exceed expectations and finish higher in the standings, it would be the Jets. If Hellebuyck plays at a Vezina level again, and the offense produces at a high rate, there is a chance the Jets could find success. It just seems like this division is too tough, however.

4. Nashville Predators

Another veteran team, the Predators also have some questions to answer. The defense was not as strong as in recent years last season, and the team posted a -2 goal differential, which will certainly have to improve.

I still like this defensive group, though, and my confidence in its ability to rebound is why the Preds come in at number four on this list. Behind the defensemen will be Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros, two capable goaltenders that will force Head Coach John Hynes to make a decision on the starter.

I have questions about Hynes as well, and whether or not he was the right coach to bring in last season. Decisions like the one regarding his goalies will go a long way in answering that question.

The forward group is also an uncertainty, mainly because only ten players are under contract. Nashville, with $12.9 million in cap space (per CapFriendly), has the flexibility to fill those spots successfully, but nevertheless, it is an obstacle to navigate.

The Predators have a high ceiling in 2020-21, but the Central will not be an easy division to win, especially when it features teams that are trending up, while Nashville looks to reverse a downward trend.