Fanduel Central Division Predictor 2026-27
The NHL’s Central Division could once again be one of the most competitive divisions in hockey, with a fascinating mix of Stanley Cup contenders, rising teams and rebuilding clubs. Based on its combined 333 wins last season, that ranks the Central 3rd across the NHL’s four divisions. Fanduel’s prediction has the Colorado Avalanche finishing first, but the race behind them should be anything but predictable.
Here’s Fanduel Hockey sees the Central Division shaking out in 2026-27:
1. COLORADO AVALANCHE
The Avalanche remain the team to beat in the Central. Nathan MacKinnon is still one of the most dominant players in the NHL, and Colorado has the combination of elite talent, speed and experience necessary to win a division over an 84-game schedule. The Avs won 121 points last season, so duplicating that number is unlikely, but they don’t need to. A healthy MacKinnon and another strong season from Cale Makar should be enough to put Colorado back on top. The big question is whether this group can finally turn regular-season dominance into another deep playoff run.
2. MINNESOTA WILD
It’s time for the Wild to be a legitimate Cup contender. Minnesota has been building toward this for several seasons, and the young core is maturing at exactly the right time. Kirill Kaprizov remains the centerpiece, but the Wild increasingly looks like a team with depth throughout the lineup. The schedule is demanding — including 10 road games in October — so a strong start will be important. If Minnesota gets consistent goaltending, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Wild challenge Colorado for the division title.
3. DALLAS STARS
Never count out the Stars. Dallas continues to be one of the NHL’s most reliable organizations, and the combination of veteran leadership and young talent makes them a dangerous playoff team once again. The Stars have been knocking on the door for several years, and they know what it takes to win in the postseason. Expect them to be right in the division race all year, although Fanduel sees Colorado and Minnesota finishing just ahead of them.
4. UTAH MAMMOTH
This is a breakout pick. Utah is no longer simply an interesting relocation story — the Mammoth are becoming a legitimate NHL team. The young talent is developing quickly, and the organization has shown it is serious about building a winner in Salt Lake City. The Mammoth could push the top three harder than people expect. The challenge will be handling an 84-game schedule and maintaining consistency. If they do, Utah could be playing meaningful hockey deep into April. They put a scare into Vegas in the playoffs last year, which is a sign they’re on the right track.
5. WINNIPEG JETS
This is where things get interesting. Winnipeg won the Presidents’ Trophy in 2024-25 with 116 points, then fell all the way to 82 points and seventh in the Central last season. That’s a remarkable drop. Now the Jets face another major question in goal with Connor Hellebuyck’s future uncertain. However whether people want to admit it or not, Stuart Skinner has Stanley Cup credentials and was clearly signed as insurance. The question now is; are the Jets going to cash in this insurance policy?
The talent is still there, but I don’t see a quick return to the top of the division. Winnipeg could certainly prove Fanduel wrong, but fifth feels right entering the season.
6. NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Nashville is a fascinating team because the Predators are better than this ranking suggests. They finished with 86 points last season and were right in the playoff conversation. However, the Central is brutal, and somebody has to get squeezed out. Nashville should be competitive virtually every night, but I don’t see enough separation from the teams above them to move higher.
7. ST. LOUIS BLUES
The Blues are headed in an intriguing direction, but they’re still another year away from becoming a serious playoff threat. St. Louis finished fifth in the Central last season, tied with Nashville at 86 points, but missed the postseason. There are pieces here, and the Blues should be competitive, but the margin for error in this division is incredibly small.
8. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Chicago is improving, and the additions of veterans such as Patrick Kane and Bowen Byram give the Blackhawks considerably more experience. But this remains a young team in the middle of a rebuild. Connor Bedard should continue taking another step toward superstardom, but one player can’t completely transform a roster overnight. Chicago finished last in the Central with 72 points last season, second-last overall for a third straight season, and the outlook for this season isn’t much better.
