Mini PREVIEW: 2021-2022 Central Division

Everything gets back to “normal” for the Dallas Stars in 2021-2022.

The original teams in the Central Division return with the addition of the struggling Arizona Coyotes. This new division might only last for one season as the Coyotes lost their arena lease.

It’s nice for the Stars to get back to familiarity after a chaotic two seasons.

Here’s a look at the seven division opponents for the Stars this season.

Arizona Coyotes

The Coyotes are moving divisions since the Seattle Kraken took their place. They are also getting evicted from Gila River Arena by the city of Glendale. Shayne Gostisbehere is a big acquisition after Oliver Ekman-Larsson left.

The Coyotes need lots of help after struggling for several years. Former Stars players Antoine Roussel and Loui Eriksson make a return to the division.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks made lots of noise in the offseason. Seth Jones and Marc-Andre Fleury are calling the Madhouse on Madison home. Times are tough for this team over the past few seasons. Will these new players help them out of their funk?

The Blackhawks will either be two things, a contender or cellar-dwellers. The rebuild is nearing, if not already here.

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators have one Stanley Cup Final appearance. That was the only time they got past the Second Round. Pekka Rinne retired, leaving Jusse Saros as the primary goaltender.

The Predators have several young players looking to prove themselves. They can make the playoffs, but they have more competition this year like the Stars.

Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche won the President’s Trophy last season. They have no reason not to this season as well. Their biggest problem is making it past the Second Round of the playoffs like the Predators.

This is the first time since the 2020 playoffs where they play the Stars. Expect them looking for revenge after the Game 7 overtime winner from Joel Kiviranta sent them home.

Winnipeg Jets

Brendan Dillon is the only big pickup for the Winnipeg Jets this offseason. They were in a “gimme” division last season in the North. Lots of their players are pending UFAs and RFAs upon the season’s conclusion. This year, they need to go “all-in” at a deep playoff run or risk a dismal offseason.

St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues are the fly in the Stars’ ointment. The Blues still have a solid team even without their newest acquisition in Brandon Saad. The Stars and Blues may battle in another playoff series against each other. The Stars have hopes for revenge if this happens.

Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild are paying Ryan Suter over $2 million to play against them this season. The Wild bought out Zach Parise and Suter’s contracts, but that doesn’t mean they are now a bad team.

The Wild were only seven points behind the President’s Trophy winners last season. There is a huge problem for them. Kirill Kaprizov doesn’t have a contract yet. He stated his desire to play in the KHL, and if he does, the Wild are in trouble.