NHL Central Division Preview 2025–26: Jets’ Trophy Defense, Stars’ Redemption

The Central Division is set to be one of the toughest divisions in hockey yet again. Last year, five teams played their way into the playoffs and it looks set to be just as competitive in 2025, providing plenty of exciting hockey.

Throughout the season, make sure to utilize our NHL Central Division viewing guide for complete schedules and streaming info.

Central Division Round-Up: Where Every Team Stands

Winnipeg Jets

• Arena: Canada Life Centre
• 2024/25 Record (W-L-OT): 56-22-4
  Coming off their first Presidents’ Trophy as the team with the best record in the regular season, the Winnipeg Jets will look to match that achievement and push further in the playoffs. With Kyle Connor, Connor Hellebuyck, and Josh Morrissey leading the way, Winnipeg will once again be a powerhouse.

Dallas Stars

• Arena: American Airlines Center
• 2024/25 Record (W-L-OT): 50-26-6
  The Dallas Stars fell in the conference finals for the third consecutive season and will be looking to finally get over the hump with new head coach Glen Gulutzan. Headlined by superstar Mikko Rantanen, Dallas boasts one of the deepest rosters in the league. Fans hope this is the year they reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

Colorado Avalanche

• Arena: Ball Arena
• 2024/25 Record (W-L-OT): 49-29-4
  Following a slightly disappointing 2024 season, the Colorado Avalanche aims to return to Stanley Cup contention. Led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, and boosted by the addition of Marty Necas, the Avs remain among the favorites in 2025.

Minnesota Wild

• Arena: Grand Casino Arena
• 2024/25 Record (W-L-OT): 45-30-7
  Contract questions around Kirill Kaprizov loom large. The Minnesota Wild managed well without him for parts of 2024 and will push for the playoffs, but much depends on how the Kaprizov saga resolves.

St. Louis Blues

• Arena: Enterprise Center
• 2024/25 Record (W-L-OT): 44-30-8
  The St. Louis Blues stormed into the 2024 playoffs with a monster late-season run. With a blend of experience and young prospects, anything less than playoff contention in 2025 would be a disappointment.

Utah Mammoth

• Arena: Delta Center
• 2024/25 Record (W-L-OT): 38-31-13
  In their first year under the Utah Mammoth name, the focus will be on developing young talent around captain Clayton Keller. Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and JJ Peterka will look to take the next step, but a playoff berth may be out of reach this season.

Nashville Predators

• Arena: Bridgestone Arena
• 2024/25 Record (W-L-OT): 30-44-8
  The Nashville Predators face another difficult year with aging stars and roster gaps. Expectations are low, but there’s still top-end talent even if the window for success seems to have closed.

Chicago Blackhawks

• Arena: United Center
• 2024/25 Record (W-L-OT): 25-46-11
  A pivotal season awaits the Chicago Blackhawks and Connor Bedard. After an impressive rookie year, Bedard must take the next step alongside talents like Frank Nazar and Spencer Knight. Chemistry will be key for a Blackhawks team still in rebuild mode.

Looking Back: 2024–25 Highlights & Disappointments

• Playoff teams: Jets, Stars, Avalanche, Blues, Wild (narrow miss).
• Jets: Best regular season team, powered by Kyle Connor.
• Stars: Strong all season, boosted by the blockbuster Mikko Rantanen trade.
• Avalanche: Struggled without Rantanen, but remained competitive.
• Blues: Surged late to sneak into the playoffs.
• Wild: Missed the postseason by a slim margin.
• Mammoth: Mediocre season.
• Predators & Blackhawks: Among the league’s weakest.

Playoff recap: The Stars beat the Avalanche in Round 1 and the Jets in Round 2, before falling to Edmonton in the Conference Finals. That loss cost Pete DeBoer his job, starting a new era in Dallas.

What We Expect From the Central Division in 2025–26

Top Contenders

• Winnipeg Jets: Coming off a historic season, though a quiet offseason leaves questions.
• Dallas Stars: Entering their first full year with Mikko Rantanen, they’ll be dangerous if he clicks with linemates.
• Colorado Avalanche: Bolstered by Marty Necas and still led by MacKinnon and Makar, they’ll push hard for a return to form.

Potential Dark Horses

• St. Louis Blues: A balanced roster of veterans and young talent (Robert Thomas, Pavel Buchnevich, Dylan Holloway, Jimmy Snuggerud).
• Utah Mammoth: Clayton Keller has blossomed into a star, with Cooley and Guenther poised to elevate their game. If it all comes together, Utah could surprise.

What Changed for Central Division Teams Over the Offseason

• Jets: Signed hometown hero Jonathan Toews (returning after two years away). Focused mainly on re-signing key players.
• Stars: Strapped by the salary cap, lost role players Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci.
• Avalanche: Retained Brock Nelson and Josh Manson; added veteran Brent Burns; lost Jonathan Drouin.
• Blues: Quiet offseason with few changes.
• Wild: Extended Marco Rossi; added Nico Sturm; Kaprizov contract situation dominates headlines.
• Mammoth: Drafted Caleb Desnoyers (will remain in juniors). Otherwise minor depth signings.
• Predators: Signed Nick Perbix; drafted Brady Martin (OHL).
• Blackhawks: Extended Frank Nazar; added depth; drafted Anton Frondell (will stay in Sweden for 2025).

How to Watch Central Division Hockey in 2025–26

Fans can watch Central Division action across multiple platforms:

• Broadcast: ESPN, TNT, ABC
• Streaming: ESPN+, Hulu, Max
• Out-of-market coverage: NHL Center Ice (through most cable providers)

👉 For full Central Division schedules, streaming options, and updated puck drop times, visit our NHL Central Division TV & streaming schedule.

Written by: Venuse, Inc. (Sports Content Creator)

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