NHL Central Division Odds (2026-27)

The following post features NHL Central Division Odds (2026-27).

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 (2026-27)

Below is a table displaying the odds for the NHL Central Division Odds (2026-27). All odds were sourced on September 17, 2026. Click here for the very latest odds (via OddsChecker).

Preseason Team Spotlights

Colorado Avalanche

Colorado dominated the Central Division last season with a 55-16-11 record and 121 points, capturing the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s top regular-season team. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar continue to form one of the league’s most dynamic duos, and the Avalanche remain built for contention. Despite being swept by Vegas in the Western Conference Final, Colorado enters the year as the clear division favorite with championship-caliber talent throughout the roster.

Minnesota Wild

Minnesota finished third in the Central last season at 46-24-12 with 104 points and advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in a decade after defeating Dallas. The addition of Quinn Hughes has transformed the blue line alongside Brock Faber, while Kirill Kaprizov remains the offensive centerpiece. Under coach John Hynes, the Wild have elevated their ceiling and enter the season as a legitimate threat to challenge for the top of the division.

Dallas Stars

Dallas finished second in the Central last season with a strong 50-20-12 record and 112 points before falling to Minnesota in the first round. The Stars continue to rely on a deep, well-constructed roster featuring high-end talent and strong goaltending from Jake Oettinger. While the core remains intact, Dallas will look to convert regular-season success into a deeper playoff run in a highly competitive division.

Utah Mammoth

Utah finished fourth in the Central last season at 43-33-6 and returned to the playoffs in just its second year in Salt Lake City. The Mammoth continue to develop a young core while adding veteran pieces to accelerate their timeline. With rising expectations and improved depth, Utah is positioned to push for a higher seed and establish itself as a consistent playoff team in the Central.

St. Louis Blues

St. Louis finished fifth in the Central last season with an 37-33-12 record and remained on the fringe of the playoff picture. The Blues are navigating a transitional period as they blend veteran leadership with younger talent. While competitive on most nights, St. Louis faces an uphill climb to consistently challenge the top teams in a deep division.

Winnipeg Jets

Winnipeg finished seventh in the Central last season at 35-35-12 and continues to search for consistency. The Jets still possess talent but have struggled to sustain the level of play that once made them a regular contender. Winnipeg enters the year focused on internal improvement and finding the right mix to climb higher in the standings.

Nashville Predators

Nashville finished sixth in the Central last season with a 38-34-10 record and remains in a competitive but uncertain phase. The Predators have made roster adjustments in an effort to regain traction, but they face a challenging path in a division loaded with stronger contenders. Nashville will need significant internal growth to re-establish itself as a playoff threat.

Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago finished last in the Central last season at 29-39-14 and remains firmly in rebuild mode. The Blackhawks are focused on developing young talent, including the next wave of prospects, while competing hard night-to-night. Meaningful contention is still several years away as the organization continues its long-term reset.

NHL Central Division Results (2025-26)

The Colorado Avalanche captured the 2025-26 Central Division title with a dominant 55-16-11 record and 121 points, earning the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s top regular-season team. Led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, Colorado finished well ahead of the Dallas Stars and secured the top seed in the Western Conference. The Avalanche advanced through the early rounds of the playoffs before being swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final.

NHL Central Division Champion (by Year)

Click here for the NHL Central Division Champion by year.