NHL X-Factors: Central Division

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Every season in any sports brings new storylines, but every year each team has to have a certain player who will be the biggest key or X-Factor for it to have any success. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the biggest keys for each team in the NHL’s Central Division in the West.

Dallas Stars: Jason Spezza

Yes, Tyler Seguin is ultimately the top line center in Dallas and will still be a huge part of the team this season. But, second year General Manager Jim Nill did not sign up for any mediocrity whether its short or long term. Back in Detroit, where Nill served as the Assistant General Manager for the team under longtime and current GM Ken Holland, it was all about Stanley Cup or bust. And that is the culture he hopes to bring to Big D. Last Summer, he acquired Seguin from Boston and this offseason, he made another splash and picked up Jason Spezza from Ottawa. He is expected to take the pressure of Seguin and thus will be the biggest key to their season. Do not get me wrong, Seguin is also a huge key, but Spezza must make an immediate impact.

Chicago Blackhawks: Brad Richards

After a controversial stint with the New York Rangers when he signed a nine-year, $59 million dollar deal in the summer of 2011, Richards was bought out. Many thought he would have no market in free agency or would sign with a team later in the summer or in the fall in training camp. But, on July 1st, he signed a low-risk, high-reward one-year, $2 million dollar deal with the Blackhawks. I think he will make a huge impact, because the Hawks are all about winning and the business of Stanley Cups at the moment. There is no doubt he will need to take the load off Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, but he still will feel less pressure than in NY.

Nashville Predators: Seth Jones

Well, he dropped to the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and he needs to mature and step it up on defense. With a new coach in Peter Laviolette – who favors an up tempo style of play as oppose to Barry Trotz – Jones will benefit and be able to jump in offensively and put up bigger numbers. But, he is just part of the Predators’ rebuilding process.

St. Louis Blues: David Backes

Yes, Paul Stastny was their biggest addition in the summer. But, Stastny was brought in to take the pressure of Backes. Therefore, it’s up to Backes to be more consistent and ultimately get the Blues over the playoff hump.

Colorado Avalanche: Matt Duchene

Matt Duchene was injured late in the season and never really returned to form in the playoffs. So, he must come back this season with vengeance. There is no question that the Avalanche took a step back this Summer with the loss of Stastny, but they need Duchene and others to step up and hopefully with the veteran presence of a Jarome Iginla and a Daniel Briere will help.

Winnipeg Jets: Evander Kane

Time to put his differences with the organization aside and ultimately start producing on the ice. With it being Paul Maurice’s first full season on the job, it should be easier for him with a fresh voice. Kane is the face of the Jets offense and even though his trade request will linger, he still needs to play at a high level to raise his value.

Minnesota Wild: Thomas Vanek

Well, did you watch the playoffs? Vanek did virtually nothing to give Wild fans hope that he can make a difference. It will be up to him to take the pressure off Zach Parise and other Wild forwards for them to finally go further into the playoffs despite their uncertain goaltending situation.