The final installment of the MVP article series now comes to the Central Division, which has been the toughest division in the NHL this season. There is also a ton of awesome talent in this division as well so let’s take a look and see who has been the best player on each team this season.
Chicago Blackhawks- This is such a hard decision but the best player has been Patrick Kane this year. He means so much to this team and was having a great year (2nd on the team in points) before he got hurt. Right now, Chicago will be without Toews AND Kane until the playoffs but that’s when they will need them most as a matchup with Colorado seems inevitable.
Colorado Avalanche- Colorado has surprised everyone this year but the main reason why they are going into the playoffs is because of Matt Duchene. This has easily been his best season yet has he leads the team in points with 70. Unfortunately, he is hurt right now and is going to miss the first week of the playoffs, which might prove deadly against a deep Chicago team. If he can come back when the series is tied, look for him to take over and take Chicago.
Dallas Stars- It’s amazing that Dallas is still in playoff contention since every year they usually fall out of contention right after the All-Star break. The reason why they may still make the playoffs is because of Tyler Seguin. The young sniper has had the best season of his young career leading the team in points with 77, which are six more than captain Jamie Benn. I do think Dallas finally makes the playoffs this season and it’s because of how Seguin has gelled with Benn all year.
Minnesota Wild- Minnesota has been very good this season and in my mind it has been of Josh Harding. I know this is a weird decision and you may ask “why Harding and not Parise or Pominville?” Harding has stepped in this season for Backstrom and has been AMAZING. He has a 1.66 GAA, 18 wins, 3 shutouts and a .933 save percentage. You can’t ask for any better goaltending than that. If he gets hot in the playoffs, watch out for Minnesota. The Wild have struggled without him as he deals with multiple sclerosis, but there is optimism out of Minnesota as Harding returned to the ice this week to practice.
Nashville Predators- Nashville has been a mediocre team all season long and probably could be in the hunt if Pekka Rinne didn’t miss so much time with an injury. Shea Weber has been the best player on the team this season as he leads the team in points. He has also carried the team at times this season and has still established himself as one of the best defenseman in the NHL. If Rinne is healthy next season. Nashville could be a dangerous team.
St. Louis Blues- St. Louis looks to be a Stanley cup contender this season as they have everything they need to win the cup. Alexander Steen has been the main reason that the Blues have been amazing this year. He started out the season so hot when he led the league in goals and points but then cooled off. Ever since, he has been outstanding. He’s going to be huge in the playoffs for the Blues.
Winnipeg Jets- Winnipeg has also been a mediocre team all season and Blake Wheeler has been the best player on the Jets this year. He leads the team in points and could be the reason why Winnipeg finally makes the playoffs next year. If the Jets can pick up a goaltender in the offseason Winnipeg could give their loyal fans a playoff team.