Players to Watch in the Central
Over the past couple of seasons, the central has grown into one of the National Hockey League's (NHL) most consistent and difficult divisions. The Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Redwings, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, and the Columbus Blue Jackets will all duke it out for the division title. Below is one player from each team to watch next season.
Duncan Keith – Defenceman – Chicago Blackhawks
As the leagues reigning Norris Trophy winner for best defenceman, Keith is one of the most important members of the Blackhawks. Next year, Keith will once again be a pivot on the blue line, likely logging the most minutes for the second year in a row.
Last season was a coming out party for Keith, as he won the Norris, a Stanley Cup, and a gold medal at the Olympics. He racked up 69 points and was a plus-20, good enough for second on the team in scoring and second among all defenceman. As the Chicago line-up has deteriorated this offseason as a result of their success, it looks as though Keith will be counted upon even more than usual.
Johan Franzen – Forward – Detroit Red Wings
Last season, Franzen was limited to 27 games due to injury, yet still managed 10 goals and 21 points. The ‘Mule,’ as he is known, is incredibly important to the success of the Red Wings, and without him the team lacks scoring depth.
Healthy for the Wings' playoff run last season, Franzen scored 18 points in just 12 games. This is the type of offensive punch he is able to bring to the line-up.
The Red Wings are on a downward swing as a franchise, they simply are not able to hold onto the impressive third-line talent they have had in past years, making Franzen all the more important going forward.
Shea Weber – Defenceman – Nashville Predators
Newly named team captain Shea Weber plays an integral role in the continued success of the Nashville Predators. With work still to do this offseason, it is clear that Weber will once again be the centre of the Predators plans, both offensively and defensively.
The 24 year-old British Columbia native tallied 48 points for the Predators in 78 games last season. Weber was second on the team in ice time and first in defensive scoring. The six-foot-four bruiser can do it all on the backend. He hits, scores, and sets people up, making him the most important player for Nashville.
David Perron – Forward – St. Louis Blues
Last season, Perron was expected to take the next step towards being an offensive leader of the Blues, but instead he seemed to regress. The Blues are going to need more out of the young star if they are to get back to the playoffs next season.
Perron is a small left-winger that managed 50 points in his second season in the National Hockey League. Last year, he notched only 48 points for the Blues, who were challenged offensively all season. However, with the departure of veteran Paul Kariya, Perron is going to see some more ice time, which should include time on the team’s first power play unit. Perron is going to get a chance to shine next season, and the Blues hope the 22 year-old will take advantage of this opportunity.
Steve Mason – Goalie – Columbus Blue Jackets
After an outstanding first season, in which Mason won the Calder for the leagues top rookie, he was hit with a sophomore slump in his second season.
Mason had a great deal of trouble last season, posting a 3.06 goals-against-average, good for 41st in the league. The strong play of Mason is especially important to a Columbus side that has trouble scoring goals. The 22 year-old is expected to bounce back, as he will be healthy and ready for next season.
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