Out of all the divisions in the NHL, the Central Division is the most rife with under-performers. Some were expected, like the deliberately rebuilding Arizona Coyotes, and others seem to be a result of karmic energy (Chicago Blackhawks). Others like the St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars are plagued by mediocrity in their depth and slow-to-start veterans.
Whatever the reason, the Central Division has become a unique environment where the surprising favorite isn’t the cup-hungry Colorado Avalanche — it’s the Minnesota Wild.