The Central Division received some unprecedented shake-ups this year. From Patrick Roy's departure to the Suban-Weber t..."/> The Central Division received some unprecedented shake-ups this year. From Patrick Roy's departure to the Suban-Weber t..."/>
Mile High Sticking
Fansided

Colorado Avalanche Facing a Tough Central Division

By Michael Vasilie

Apr 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9), left wing Mikkel Boedker (89), defenseman Tyson Barrie (4), left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and defenseman Francois Beauchemin (32) line up for the national anthem before the start of the game against the Anaheim Ducks in the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9), left wing Mikkel Boedker (89), defenseman Tyson Barrie (4), left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and defenseman Francois Beauchemin (32) line up for the national anthem before the start of the game against the Anaheim Ducks in the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard (31) defends his goal in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Pepsi Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Avalanche 2-1.Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard (31) defends his goal in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Pepsi Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Avalanche 2-1.Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Blackhawks

Key Losses- Andrew Ladd, Andrew Shaw, David Rundblad

Key Additions-Brian Campbell, Jordin Tootoo

Analysis: Heralded GM Stan Bowman has his work cut out for him in the next year. The Chicago Blackhawks may have won three of the last seven Stanley Cups but they have lost some serious talent and are strapped for cash when it comes to the salary cap. In addition to that, the Hawks have been shipping away draft pics and some of their most highly taughted prospects for “rental” players, leaving the farm system depleted and the ‘Hawks in a tight spot.

While it’s true that the Hawks have a long list of players who will be in the hockey Hall of Fame someday (including the two highest paid players in the league: Jonathan Toews and reigning Hart Trophy Winner Patrick Kane), the teams is full of aging veterans and potential weak spots. However, their HOF head coach (former Avs HC) Joel Quenelle, who happens to be the second winningest HC of all time (behind Stan’s father, Scotty), knows a thing or two about how to get the most out of marginal talent.

I see the ‘Hawks as a potential Wild Card team this year. Too many other Central Division teams have acquired young talent that is NHL ready. The League is a young man’s league right now, predicated on speed and aggressiveness, neither of which the Hawks have in abundance. It will take a minor miracle and one hell of a good coaching/managing job but I think the Hawks squeak in.

Season Series (A=away; H=home): 11/3-A, 12/23-A, 1/17-H, 3/19-A, 4/6-H

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