Breaking News:

Get To Know Utah Hockey Club’s Central NHL Division

Aug 16, 2024, 1:44 PM

Follow @kslsports...

SALT LAKE CITY – With the relocation of the Utah Hockey Club from Arizona to Utah this offseason, there have been a lot of new changes for the franchise. A new ownership group, new branding, new city, new arena, new practice facility and a new fanbase – just to name a few. But with this long list of changes, one of the few things that will remain the same is that the Utah Hockey Club will play in the NHL’s Central Division.

The NHL’s Central Division

Arguably the toughest division top to bottom in the NHL, the Central Division includes the Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks. Last season, the Stars, Jets, Avalanche and Predators all qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

What makes the division so challenging is that the minimum requirement to make the playoffs in the division last year was 47 wins with 99 overall points. Additionally, the top two teams in the division (Dallas & Winnipeg) had more points than 11 of the other 14 playoff teams, and Dallas eventually made the Western Conference final but lost to Edmonton in six games.

So obviously, the level of competition within the division is very high which makes it incredibly difficult to punch a ticket to the playoffs.

Dallas Stars

2023-24 Record: 52-21-9, 113 points, Western Conference Finalists

After making the Western Conference Final last season, the Dallas Stars remain one of the best teams in the NHL and that may be an understatement. Arguably a super team with a super roster, eight Stars scored 20 or more goals last season, and the vast majority will be back this year.

Led by a collection of talented forwards in Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston alongside some of the best veterans in the game, Dallas is a top three offense with a lot of recent playoff experience.

This may be their year, and you can almost guarantee they’ll win the division as they scorch every net in the league.

Winnipeg Jets

2023-24 Record: 52-24-6, 110 points, Lost 4-1 to Colorado in First Round

Built around a strong defense and one of the best goaltenders in the league in Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg had an impressive regular season in 2022-23 but just couldn’t put things together in the playoffs with an overwhelming first-round loss.

This season they’ll run it back with essentially the same squad and will look to correct one of their most disappointing postseasons after such a strong initial year.

Colorado Avalanche

2023-24 Record: 50-25-7, 107 points, Lost 4-2 to Dallas in Second Round

The Colorado Avalanche have one of the strongest and most impressive cores in the league with Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Cale Makar and Gabriel Landeskog.

When fully healthy, this team is a top five offense and capable of winning another Stanley Cup like they did in 2022.

Nashville Predators

2023-24 Record: 47-30-5, 99 points, Lost 4-2 to Vancouver in the First Round

Nashville was a good team last year and they only got better this offseason as they signed Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei to long-term-contracts.

Now, that may end up being a double-edged sword signing these older players to long deals as it creates an incredibly thin window to win, but it definitely lifts their ceiling to a contender now.

St. Louis Blues

2023-24 Record: 43-33-6, 92 points, Missed Playoffs

St. Louis took another step back this last season as they missed the playoffs for the second straight year and have failed to do much of anything since winning the cup in 2019.

One thing is for sure though, they’ll compete every single night and are capable of creating problems for any team in the division.

Minnesota Wild

2023-24 Record: 39-34-9, 87 Points, Missed Playoffs

Minnesota has played underwhelming hockey for a while now but luckily; they’re entering the final season of nearly $15 million in dead cap space from the Ryan Suter and Zach Parise buyouts.

For now, the Wild don’t pose as much of a threat, but they can also compete with anybody and have one of the most experienced goaltenders in the league in Marc Andre Fleury.

Chicago Blackhawks

2023-24 Record: 23-53-6, 52 points, Missed Playoffs

Chicago is in full rebuild mode after finally moving off their aging core and embracing the future.

While they do have a generational talent and perhaps the next great face of the league in Connor Bedard, they don’t have much else and are one of the worst teams in the entire NHL.

Utah Hockey Club

2023-24 Record: 36-41-5, 77 points, Missed Playoffs

The last couple of seasons have been all about development for the Utah Hockey Club as they hit the reset button four years ago.

The team certainly took the next step in their rebuild this offseason by adding veteran defensive depth in Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino, but it will still likely take some time before this squad is a well-oiled machine.

Now stepping into the 2024 season, there’s certainly potential for a playoff spot this year but that’ll require new chemistry, a leap from several of their young prospects such as Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther and the puck will need to bounce their way on more than one occasion.

One thing that is for certain though is that they’ll be competitive and create havoc in the division. Maybe they will surprise some people, but this franchise still needs time.

Utah Hockey Schedule

Fans can watch the Utah Hockey Club’s first game on October 8 against Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. Click here for the full schedule. 

Cole Bagley is the Utah Hockey Club insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

KSL 5 TV Live

KSLSports Feed

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Bronny James Gifts BYU WR JoJo Phillips Signed Game Jersey

Bronny James reunited with his former high school teammate JoJo Phillips and gifted the BYU wide receiver a signed game jersey.

10 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Luka Doncic Carves Time To Sign Autographs For Fans In Utah

Luka Doncic made time on Wednesday to sign autographs for his fans in Utah as the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Jazz.

11 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jazz Get Revenge Over Doncic, Lakers 131-119

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz sent Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers into the All-Star break with a 131-119 loss. Lauri Markkanen led all scorers with 32 points while the Lakers were led by Rui Hachimura who scored 19. Game Blog: Jazz Blowout Lakers In Salt Lake City Jazz Guards Stuff Stat […]

11 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jazz Sink Lakers In Home Blowout

NBA-title hopeful Los Angeles Lakers take their traveling circus on the road to face the Utah Jazz three days after beating Utah by 19.

12 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Three-Point Barrage Helps Jazz Pull Away From Lakers

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Jazz are firing on all cylinders, building a 20-point lead over the superstar-laden Lakers late in the third quarter.

13 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Howard Eisley Returns To Delta Center As Jazz Host Lakers

SALT LAKE CITY - Former Utah Jazz backup point guard Howard Eisley is in the house at Delta Center tonight, returning to his former NBA home. 

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Get To Know Utah Hockey Club’s Central NHL Division