The Central Division has a bright future ahead of it. Teams in the Central have fostered high-end prospect pipelines budding with talent on the cusp of NHL roles. Every team in the Central, except for the Blackhawks, projects to compete for a playoff spot in 2025–26, and their prospects could be the difference-maker between that goal and the draft lottery.
Colorado Avalanche
Gavin Brindley, RW – 5-8, 173 lbs
2024–25: 52 GP, 6 G, 11 A, 17 P (AHL)
2023–24: 40 GP, 25 G, 28 A, 53 P (NCAA)
The Avs acquired Brindley from Columbus in June 2025. Drafted 34th overall in 2023, his stock soared after posting 53 points in 40 NCAA games the following season. His game is built around sound positioning and an intense motor. He has the skill and pace to take over a game but has not proved capable of that at the pro level. Columbus traded Brindley after the AHL rookie managed just 17 points in 52 games.
As of writing, Brindley is competing for a roster spot on the Avs in preseason. It is a long shot that he sticks with the NHL for the full year, but he could get an audition past opening night. During a media scrum on September 30, Head Coach Jared Bednar praised Brindley, “He keeps answering the bell.” Brindley will likely spend the majority of the season establishing himself in the AHL, with a few call-ups through the season.
Sean Behrens, LHD – 5-10, 176 lbs
2024–25: 0 GP (injured)
2023–24: 44 GP, 4 G, 27 A, 31 P (NCAA)
Colorado has been patient with Behrens’ development. Drafted 61st overall in 2021 out of the USHL, he went on to score 81 points over his 112-game, three-season NCAA career. After Behrens signed his ELC in 2024, he suffered an ACL injury and missed what would have been his first year of professional hockey.
There are questions around Behrens’ readiness for NHL hockey. He has the composure and talent to be a positive piece on the Avs, but he has not played competitively in over a year. Behrens’ most likely spot is on the AHL top pairing, but he should see some NHL action.
Winnipeg Jets
Brayden Yager, C – 6-0, 170 lbs
2024–25: 66 GP, 39 G, 54 A, 93 P (WHL)
2023–24: 57 GP, 35 G, 50 A, 85 P (WHL)
The Jets sent Yager to the AHL on October 1, and he is going to get every chance to blow the doors off. After dominating the WHL, Yager will spend the year playing as Manitoba’s 1C and manning PP1. In August 2024, Winnipeg was forced to trade McGroarty — another 14th overall pick, like Yager, which seems to have worked out for them. Yager plays fast-paced, he is creative, and can find the back of the net by himself.
Fantasy managers should keep their eye on Yager this year. He is going to be one of the first players the big club recalls — especially in the event of an injury in their forward group. While he will not be starting the year in the NHL, he could get a long stint. Next season, Yager will be chomping at the bit for an NHL role.
Elias Salomonsson, RHD – 6-1, 188 lbs
2024–25: 53 GP, 5 G, 22 A, 27 P (AHL)
2023–24: 31 GP, 2 G, 9 A, 11 P (SHL)
This 55th overall pick from 2022 looks more like a steal every year that passes. Salomonsson played 31 SHL games in his D+2 year, with a respectable 0.35 PPG scoring rate. As a rookie in North America, he played 53 AHL games and amassed 27 points, over 0.5 PPG.
He is defensively responsible and offensively capable, which he has proven at every level. The Jets included Salomonsson in their most recent NHL cuts, but he will be the first defenseman to get a real chance. The right side of Winnipeg’s defence is unusually strong, DeMelo, Pionk, and Schenn anchor each pairing, and Salomonsson has a lot to prove to even usurp Schenn.
Minnesota Wild
Zeev Buium, LHD – 6-0, 183 lbs
2024–25: 41 GP, 13 G, 35 A, 48 P (NCAA)
2023–24: 42 GP, 11 G, 39 A, 50 P (NCAA)
The Wild have an embarrassment of riches on their hands. Buium, drafted 12th in 2024, crowns their pipeline and is a real candidate to win the Calder this season. He dominated the NCAA ahead of the 2024 draft with 50 points in 42 games, draft-year numbers unseen by any defenseman not named Quinn Hughes.
His IQ is truly cerebral, constantly aware of offensive opportunities and defensive gaps, manipulating both at will. Buium is an elite skater, with edgework that allows him to turn on a dime and speed that can break down defences in transition. If he is not on your radar, put him on it immediately and do not look away, he will spend this year in the NHL.
Liam Öhgren, LW – 6-1, 187 lbs
2024–25: 41 GP, 19 G, 18 A, 37 P (AHL)
2023–24: 26 GP, 12 G, 7 A, 19 P (SHL)
After being drafted 19th overall in 2022, Öhgren spent two seasons developing in Sweden’s pro ranks. In an injury-shortened D+2 season, he potted 12 goals in 26 games. His tenacious game transitioned seamlessly to North America. Öhgren took a step forward in the AHL, racking up 37 points in 41 games as a rookie.
During preseason, John Hynes had positive things to say about Öhgren’s defensive play. The Wild have not sent the gritty scoring winger down to the AHL yet. He and Danila Yurov are both battling it out for one last forward spot on the Wild’s roster. Öhgren should have the edge, as he has already spent a year playing professional hockey in North America, and Minnesota is set down the middle.
Danila Yurov, C, LW, RW – 6-1, 178 lbs
2024–25: 46 GP, 13 G, 12 A, 25 P (KHL)
2023–24: 62 GP, 21 G, 28 A, 49 P (KHL)
Another 2022 draft choice battling for an NHL job this season, Yurov switched from the wing to centre in his most recent KHL season. This adjustment took a toll on his offense, his scoring rate dropped from 0.79 PPG to 0.54 PPG over the last two years.
With high-end skating, awareness, and engagement, Yurov’s impact goes beyond offense. He excelled as a two-way centre in the top six of a KHL team. The only question is whether the North American pro game will bring out his best, as it has for Öhgren.
The Wild will get an answer to that question in short order. Yurov will likely spend time playing every position in Iowa’s top six group, and leading the powerplay. Fantasy managers should be ready to pull the trigger on a sneaky claim, if he makes the jump to the NHL, he can make an impact right away.
Dallas Stars
Justin Hryckowian, C, LW – 5-10, 194 lbs
2024-25: 67GP, 22G, 38A, 60P (AHL)
2023-24: 32GP, 13G, 30A, 43P (NCAA)
The Stars really know how to find a diamond in the rough. In 2024, Hryckowian signed as a free agent with Dallas out of the NCAA being 22 at the time and after scoring 43 points in 32 games. The following year, Hryckowian won AHL Rookie of the Year with 60 points in 67 games.
Dallas suffered a lot of injuries ahead of this regular season, and the door is wide open for Hryckowian to secure a bottom-six role, even one in the top nine.
St. Louis Blues
Jimmy Snuggerud, RW – 6-2, 187 lbs
2024–25: 7 GP, 2 G, 2 A, 4 P (NHL Playoffs)
2024–25: 40 GP, 24 G, 27 A, 51 P (NCAA)
2023–24: 39 GP, 21 G, 13 A, 34 P (NCAA)
Snuggerud is coming off an illustrious NCAA career, including two 50-point campaigns. He has shown that he steps up his game when the pressure is on, a trait that teams build around. Along with his 28 points in 19 games at the World Juniors, he performed well in the NHL playoffs, with four points in seven games.
The expectation in St. Louis is that Snuggerud steps right into their second-line right wing spot. Spending the entire year there bodes well for his stock. He has quickly adapted every time he has entered a more challenging league. This may not be the season Snuggerud becomes a household name across the league, but next year could very well be. The explosive winger can create space for teammates at an elite level, and his shot is a growing danger as he hones in on his talent.
Dalibor Dvorsky, C, LW – 6-1, 201 lbs
2024–25: 61 GP, 21 G, 24 A, 45 P (AHL)
2023–24: 52 GP, 45 G, 43 A, 88 P (OHL)
Both players listed here are battling for NHL jobs, but in different roles. Dvorsky has spent time with Schenn and Neighbours this preseason and could start the season as left wing on the third line. Not only is he an electric playmaker, but he also has the makings of an elite shot. On top of that, Dvorsky is engaged defensively and physically.
After being drafted 10th overall in 2023, he made the jump from Sweden to the OHL and dominated with his scoring and playmaking chops. Then he seamlessly transitioned to the pro ranks as a centre in his D+2 year. St. Louis has a versatile forward on their hands, and he could be an underrated piece on their NHL roster, just unlikely to spend the entire year there.
Utah Mammoth
Dmitri Simashev, LHD – 6-5, 201 lbs
2024–25: 56 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 P (KHL)
2023–24: 63 GP, 4 G, 6 A, 10 P (KHL)
While the towering defenseman’s numbers look unimpressive, he brings intangibles to the table. Simashev is an excellent skater. He is light on his feet, quick, and does not fall behind the play. During preseason, he earned praise from the coach on his work ethic, “What we like about him right now is his focus and consistency in training camp,” which is what can separate talented players from NHL jobs.
Simashev has spent a number of years playing pro hockey in Russia, and he may be better served developing in the NHL. He is housemates with Sergachev, who is no stranger to the expectations and weight a defenseman drafted high can feel. He may not be relevant in most formats even on the NHL roster this season, but in category and banger leagues, Simashev is a must-roster prospect as soon as 2025.
Nashville Predators
Joakim Kemell, RW – 5-11, 176 lbs
2024–25: 65 GP, 19 G, 21 A, 40 P (AHL)
2023–24: 67 GP, 16 G, 24 A, 40 P (AHL)
Nashville selected Kemell 17th overall in the 2022 draft, and he burst into the AHL the following year with 13 points in 15 games. Since then, Kemell has plateaued at 40 points per season in the AHL, but he has improved his overall impact. He has refined his defensive positioning and become more assertive when using his body to retain and regain possession.
In his two AHL seasons, Kemell showed an ability to play at a consistent level in a top-six role, something the Nashville Predators have been missing. He remains on the roster as of today and has impressed throughout preseason play. It is entirely possible Kemell not only gets a tryout in the NHL to start the year, but sticks with the big club.
Tanner Molendyk, LHD – 6-0, 181 lbs
2024–25: 49 GP, 9 G, 38 A, 47 P (WHL)
2023–24: 50 GP, 10 G, 46 A, 56 P (WHL)
Part of Nashville’s most recent roster cuts, Molendyk is still worth monitoring. He has played phenomenal hockey in the WHL since being taken in the first round in 2023. Molendyk is a tremendous skater, very deceptive with the puck on his stick, and uses his tools to facilitate offense at a high clip.
This year will be his first playing professional hockey, and it could result in some NHL action down the line. Molendyk will start the year quarterbacking the powerplay and top pairing in the AHL.
Chicago Blackhawks
Sam Rinzel, RHD – 6-4, 203 lbs
2024–25: 9 GP, 0 G, 5 A, 5 P (NHL)
2024–25: 40 GP, 10 G, 22 A, 32 P (NCAA)
2023–24: 39 GP, 2 G, 26 A, 28 P (NCAA)
The hype is growing around Rinzel and for good reason. Head Coach Jeff Blashill has spoken very highly of Rinzel, applauding his composure. Rinzel is an incredibly active defenseman. He constantly uses his edgework to keep lanes open and currently looks to have the edge on Levshunov, Rinzel was manning the Blackhawks’ first-unit powerplay during preseason games.
That said, Rinzel has yet to play professional hockey. Significant ice time in the AHL will not deter what looks like a sky-high trajectory. Rinzel is expected to play most of the year in the AHL, unless he can prove that he is more NHL-ready than the AHL-seasoned Levshunov.
Anton Frondell, C, LW – 6-1, 205 lbs
2025–26: 9 GP, 6 G, 2 A, 8 P (SHL)
2024–25: 29 GP, 11 G, 14 A, 25 P (Allsvenskan)
2023–24: 29 GP, 18 G, 21 A, 39 P (Sweden J20)
Hockey fans should all have their eyes on Frondell. What he has done in Sweden’s junior levels, their second-tier pro league, and now with his blitzing start in the SHL, is remarkable. Frondell is a power forward with an elite shot. His tools are all NHL-ready, and he has not even come close to his talent ceiling. Last season, he helped carry his Allsvenskan team all the way back into the SHL, and he continues to be instrumental to their success.
By next season, Frondell will be integral to the Blackhawks’ on-ice product. He is playing centre in the SHL and could help take some of the load off Bedard’s shoulders in the future. His gritty, skill game was tantalizing at the draft, but if he continues on this trajectory, Frondell and Bedard could be one of the best duos in hockey.
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Thank you for reading this article on the Central Division. I’m Arden — a Vancouver-based Online Journalism and Broadcasting student with a passion for community storytelling, hockey, and photography. Find my work below.