The next division on our eDraft map is the NHL's Central. While it keeps the same name from recent years, there are several new tenants in the midwestern segment of the Western Conference. There shouldn't be too many surprises in this division but that is why they play the games.
The Chicago Blackhawks, rulers of the Central Division, ahem, and defending Stanley Cup champions, are joined by familiar foes St. Louis and Nashville. Joining the party will be the Minnesota Wild, the Dallas Stars, the Colorado Avalanche and the Winnipeg Jets. The history between the franchises in the Central Division is relatively short, but there will certainly be contempt once the familiarity is bred.
We'll focus on the Colorado Avalanche and work our way east. The Avalanche resided as the most eastern of the Pacific Division members for the last few years but will now get more familiar with teams that are more geographically localized. They are a franchise looking to restore some shine to the glory days of yesteryear. Colorado hired former stars Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy to run the front office (Sakic) and sit behind the bench (Coach Roy). The winning mentality that these two legends bring to the table will rub off on the talented youngsters that wear the Avalanche sweaters. At least, that's the hope.
The Avalanche have no shortage of talent. Turning said alert from potential into wins is where the proud franchise has fallen woefully short in the past few years. Offensively the club is as strong as any up the middle. Matt Duchene, Ryan O'Reilly, Paul Stastny and rookie Nathan MacKinnon give Colorado an abundance of depth at the center position. So much so that Stastny could find himself on another roster in the last year of his big contract.
On the wing, Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog is the top weapon. Last season was a wash due to concussion issues, but armed with a fresh new contract extension, Landeskog should have a huge year. P.A. Parenteau, Cody McLeod, Steve Downie and Jamie McGinn give the Avalanche some depth and grit on the flanks. Parenteau didn't disappoint as the prize free agent last year in Colorado and will be counted on to produce at an equally high level again.
On defense the Avalanche are led by the beard of Zanon, aka. Greg Zanon who is known as much for his follicular fortitude as his shot blocking and defensive skills. Erik Johnson has traditionally been the most productive blue liner in Denver, but Tyson Barrie was the highest scoring defenseman in 2013. Newcomer Corey Sarich will be expected to produce as well with the last couple of defensive slots up for grabs among the Avalanche youngsters.
In goal is where Colorado was expected to make the most significant upgrade. Though I can't imagine the second-guessing that could be out there with a legend like Patrick Roy as your coach, veterans J.S. Giguere and Semyon Varlamov will enjoy just that. Colorado. Defensively Colorado was 28th out of 30 teams and that will not be acceptable for the Avs' new head coach. Varlamov is the younger of the two by far and will certainly be given every opportunity to seize the starting spot. Inconsistent play in the past has hampered the Russian backstop, and it will be interesting to see how much patience the rookie head coach will have if his net minders struggle.
Prediction: Sixth. Colorado won't quite sit in the cellar, but they are a year or two from being real contenders.