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 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) celebrates his goal past Winnipeg Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson (34) in the second period at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) celebrates his goal past Winnipeg Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson (34) in the second period at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Winnipeg Jets

Key Losses-Andrew Ladd

Key Additions-Patrick Laine (2016 Entry Draft), Shawn Matthias,

Analysis: Winnipeg was a better team than they finished last year. Analysts suggest that they generated a healthy number of scoring chances but failed to capitalize on them. After trading their captain away at the NHL trade deadline the Jets landed (again, pun intended) in some incredible luck. Despite finishing 11th in the Western Conference (7th in the division) and 25th in the league, Winnipeg drew the second overall pick in the 2016 Entry Draft and used it to select Finnish phenom Patrick Laine.

If you buy what the gurus are selling about Winnipeg, they may just be the team to beat next year in the Central Division. If they continue to develop their home grown talent, create scoring opportunities, and play the physical brand of hockey which has served them and Paul Maurice well, this team is going to be hard to beat, especially if they cut down on the penalties (only LA, Anaheim, and Arizona gave more penalty opportunities last year).

Season Series: 10/28-H, 11/11-H, 12/18-A, 2/4-H, 3/4-A

Next: Colorado Avalanche: Possible Changes with New Head Coach

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