Year after year, the Central division defies preseason predictions, and we have no reason to believe this year will be any different.  After Detroit and Nashville ran away with the division last year, 2007-08 brings a lot more questions and fewer clear answers.  Much of the uncertainty stems from the fact that many top-end rookies figure to play a significant role in factoring the results.  The Chicago Blackhawks, who finished last in the division last year with 71 points, figure to have several impact rookies in their lineup to start the season, including heralded high-round picks Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.  The St. Louis Blues have signed 2006 1^st overall defenseman Erik Johnson, and the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed 2007 7^th overall pick Jakub Voracek.  Adding to the speculation is the mini-firesale held by the Nashville Predators this offseason while their ownership situation was unclear.  The departure of franchise goalie Tomas Vokoun along with captain Kimmo Timonen, Scott Hartnell and Paul Kariya means the Predators will probably fall from the 110 points they had last season, but how far is anyone’s guess.

The only thing that seems certain at this point is that the Detroit Red Wings, last year’s division winner, should be back in the thick of things again this year, retaining most of their important pieces from last year for another run.  The Wings will once again begin the season as the NHL’s oldest club, bringing back aging (or ageless?) wonders Chris Chelios (45) and Dominik Hasek (42), but a fair amount of younger talent ensures that the Wings will continue to prosper.  

Predicted order of finish:

Detroit Red Wings

Nashville Predators

St. Louis Blues

Chicago Blackhawks

Columbus Blue Jackets