The St. Louis Blues have more than enough talent to get back into the NHL Playoffs as a wild card, but they're facing an onslaught of competition in the Central Division. Some teams are still stuck in rebuilding mode, but others will be on par with, if not even better-equipped, to handle a playoff run.
So, what does the rest of the Central look like as the 2025-26 season approaches? Here's a quick rundown of the Blues seven division rivals.
Chicago Blackhawks
Listen to me: The Blackhawks are a Connor Bedard/Frank Nazar breakout away from being a halfway decent team. Are they gonna be any good this year? No. But are they gonna "enjoy" their best season since the turn of the decade? Again, they're just a Bedard/Nazar breakout away.
I'm expecting a 70-75-point outing from the Hawks, which'll guarantee this young team top-five odds to win the draft lottery. The Hawks are a young team getting younger, but they're no longer a talent-deprived wasteland.
Colorado Avalanche
As long as you got Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar in Denver, the Colorado Avalanche are always gonna be a threat to win the division. While Mikko Rantanen ended up with a division rival, the Avs still got the likes of Gabe Landeskog, Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, and Valeri Nichushkin. That's one heck of a core that's only gonna bring a high-octane unit.
Questions might remain at goaltender, where MacKenzie Blackwood's out to prove he's worth the investment. If Blackwood's up for the challenge, the Avs could still have the most well-rounded squad in the Central if it wasn't for the next team on this list.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are no different from the Avalanche. While they may be ultra-tight on cash, the Stars still have Jamie Benn, Jason Robertson, Matt Duchene, Miro Heiskinen, and Mikko Rantanen. Not to mention Jake Oettinger in the net, and those are just a few reasons why the Blues can be concerned.
On paper, it's hard to find a weak spot in Dallas, and they're easily the most complete group of the bunch. If there's a team to beat this season, it's the Stars, and the Blues need to bring their A-Game every time they face Dallas.
Minnesota Wild
Last season, the Minnesota Wild looked like a great team that declined steadily as the season wore on. But they have a core capable of sneaking up on anyone, led by guys like Matt Boldy, Zeev Buium, Filip Gustavsson, Joel Eriksson Ek, Brock Faber, Marco Rossi, and Kirill Kaprizov.
It's not a group to count out despite their steady decline last season. And the Wild could even contend for a top-three spot in the Central if everything comes together.
Nashville Predators
A good team on paper this time around? Doubt it. If the Nashville Predators can't get anything outta their veterans, they should have little choice but roll with a fire sale. Get what you can for your vets while they still have value, and spark a dedicated rebuilding effort.
With three first-round picks in the 2025 draft, the Preds are off to a good start. While there are no quick fixes in NHL rebuilds, Barry Trotz could easily quicken the process.
Utah Mammoth
Could be the biggest thorn in the Blues side this season. The Mammoth looked every bit like I expected them to during their first season in Utah: Better than what they were down in Arizona, but not yet ready for a playoff run.
Now with JJ Peterka on board, plus an improved core that boasts Mikhail Sergachev, Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Nick Schmaltz, and an influx of veteran leaders like Ian Cole and Brandon Tanev, Utah's got a chance to shine.
Winnipeg Jets
For the Jets, it's all about Connor Hellebuyck going lights-out again. And when that occurs, it doesn't matter what they do offensively; they'll always be in it to win it.
But are they as complete as the Avalanche and Stars? They're not as loaded with elite talent, but with sound defense, they still have the potential to sneak in and win the Central again.