Way too early power rankings for the Central Division
1. Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche will be a popular pick to win this division and possibly the Stanley Cup. Everyone knows what kind of talent the Avs have at the top of the lineup, but the depth players that were retained and added to the club this offseason make this team dangerous in 2020-21.
Nathan MacKinnon showed in the NHL’s restart just how great he is, and he is joined by Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog on a line that is unstoppable when it is on its game. Players like Andre Burakovsky and Nazem Kadri fit in wonderfully last season, and now Brandon Saad and Devon Toews will look to find their spots in the lineup as well.
As mentioned a moment ago, goalie tandems appear as though they will be very valuable this season, and Colorado has one that they should certainly be happy with in Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz. Combine that with a defensive group that allowed the third fewest goals among Western Conference teams in the 2019-20 regular season, and there is a formula for success for the Avalanche.
Injuries could creep in or a team lower on this list could reach its ceiling, and either of those things could bump the Avs down as the season goes on. Looking at the roster, though, as well as the step forward Colorado took in 2020, this team is poised to claim the Central Division.
Next. Now is the time for the Buffalo Sabres. dark
This division should be one of the more entertaining divisions in 2021, as it features a variety of teams that could be in Playoff, and even championship contention. The season is still months away, and free agents remain to be signed, but it’s never too soon to look ahead.