NHL Central Division Odds (2026)

The following post features NHL Central Division Odds (2026).

The NHL Central Division odds reflect how sportsbooks currently view each team’s chances of winning the Western Conference’s Central Division.

Read: NHL Pacific Division Odds

Related: NHL Metropolitan Division Odds

As the NHL season unfolds, these odds will shift based on performance, injuries, and which teams can maintain momentum over a long season.

So, how is the NHL Central Division race shaping up? Here’s what you need to know.

NHL Central Division Odds (2026)

Below is a table displaying the odds for the NHL Central Division Odds (2026). Click here for the very latest odds (via OddsChecker).

Team Spotlights (2026)

Colorado Avalanche (-3000)

The Avalanche remain the dominant force in the Central, boasting an elite core led by Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen, with Gabriel Landeskog fully healthy and contributing as captain. Additions like Mackenzie Blackwood in net have stabilized the goaltending, while depth pieces such as Artturi Lehkonen and Ross Colton provide balance. The key storyline is their pursuit of a second Stanley Cup in recent years, fueled by a deep, playoff-tested roster and a suffocating defense that has them atop the league standings mid-season.

Dallas Stars (+3000)

The Stars continue to build around a strong foundation featuring Mikko Rantanen (acquired mid-last season), Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Miro Heiskanen, with Jake Oettinger anchoring the net. Veterans like Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin add experience to a lineup that reached the conference finals recently. The narrative centers on breaking through in the loaded Central, with improved depth scoring and special teams positioning them as serious Cup contenders despite trailing Colorado early.

Minnesota Wild (+7000)

The Wild’s defensive identity remains their strength, led by Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Jonas Brodin, with Filip Gustavsson providing reliable goaltending. Emerging talents like Brock Faber and Marco Rossi add upside to the blue line and forward group. The central storyline revolves around finally advancing past the first round after consistent regular-season success, with health for Kaprizov and better secondary scoring potentially elevating them into the division’s top tier.

Chicago Blackhawks (+50000)

In the midst of a rebuild, the Blackhawks rely on Connor Bedard as the franchise cornerstone, supported by young pieces like Teuvo Teravainen and emerging prospects. The focus is on Bedard’s development into a superstar while integrating draft picks and adding veteran stability. The storyline highlights patience in building a contender around Bedard’s elite skill, with incremental progress measured in individual growth rather than immediate wins.

St. Louis Blues (+50000)

The Blues are in transition under new leadership, blending veterans like Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, and Jordan Binnington with additions such as Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg. Key acquisitions have bolstered the blue line and forward depth. The narrative centers on a post-playoff push to re-establish contention, with improved special teams and youth integration key to climbing the standings.

Nashville Predators (+50000)

The Predators feature a mix of established stars like Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, and Steven Stamkos, alongside Juuse Saros in net. Recent moves aim to address depth issues from prior struggles. The storyline involves a bounce-back campaign after a tough year, with the core’s health and goaltending determining if they can contend for a wildcard spot.

Winnipeg Jets (+50000)

The Jets maintain a solid group around Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, and Kyle Connor, with recent losses offset by internal growth from players like Cole Perfetti. The key narrative is overcoming early playoff exits, with strong goaltending and depth scoring needed to challenge the division’s elite.

Utah Mammoth (+50000)

In their early years as a franchise, the Mammoth build around Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther, with additions like JJ Peterka boosting the forward group. The storyline focuses on rapid development and playoff contention, as young talent matures and the team establishes its identity in the Central.

NHL Central Division Winners (2016-Present)

The table below highlights every NHL Central Division winner since 2016.

2024-25 NHL Central Division Results

The 2024-25 NHL Central Division was a fiercely competitive battleground, with the Winnipeg Jets capturing the division title and the Presidents’ Trophy on the strength of elite goaltending and balanced scoring, though they fell in the second round. The Dallas Stars mounted a strong challenge, upsetting the third-seeded Colorado Avalanche in a thrilling seven-game first-round series before advancing to the Western Conference Final, only to be eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers. Colorado secured a playoff spot but couldn’t overcome internal challenges, while the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues earned wildcard berths amid tight races. It was a top-heavy division with clear separation, as the bottom four teams lagged well behind in the standings.