RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The NHL offseason featured significant changes, highlighted by key signings and major trades, with several teams embarking on new journeys under fresh coaching staffs. The Western Conference divisions are expected to be competitive, presenting a clean start for all teams.
Last season, the Avalanche were the kings of the Central, and the Golden Knights were able to claim another Pacific Division title. Here are the predictions for the leading scorer for every Western Conference team.
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Pacific Division
Mar 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson (91) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Leo Carlsson, Anaheim Ducks: Leo Carlsson is back on a long-term deal, and he will shine with the Ducks; it is good to have him back.
Artemi Panarin, Los Angeles Kings: Artemi Panarin is back with the Kings and will be a force. Less pressure than in New York, and he will be used on their top line.
Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini turned a good freshman season into an elite sophomore year, putting up 115 points. The Sharks are trending in the right direction, and Celebrini is a big reason why.
Matt Coronato, Calgary Flames: Coronato led the Flames in scoring with 45 points during the 2025-26 regular season and is poised to take another big step in his development with a bigger role.
Elias Petterson, Vancouver Canucks: Elias Petterson needs to be better for the Canucks, and there isn’t much talent around him; he only had 51 points last season. Hopefully, Petterson can return to form and have a good year.
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers: McDavid is going to have another big season for the Oilers. Rather than the points, can McDavid get back to the Stanley Cup?
Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights: Jack Eichel is one of the best two-way centers in the NHL. With a new coach, he still should be able to produce with Mitch Marner and Mark Stone.
Matthew Beniers, Seattle Kraken: Beniers and the Kraken need to have a big season. There is an expectation for being a 2nd overall pick, and the time is now. 50 points last season, and he needs to have a big season.
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Central
Apr 6, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) celebrates a goal against the Seattle Kraken in the second period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets: Kyle Connor is one of the best snipers in the NHL, and the Jets need a bounce-back season. Jets struggled last year, and they need a big year.
Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues: Robert Thomas and the Blues are in for a big season. They were strong last year, and Thomas could be in for a big year. Point-per-game season for Thomas?
Kiril Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild: Kaprizov is an awesome player, and the Wild haven’t been able to get over the playoff hump. A big regular season can be in store with their improved roster.
Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche: MacKinnon had another strong season, but the playoffs didn’t go well for them, as they were unable to get to the Stanley Cup. MacKinnon is going to be super motivated and can be in for a big year.
Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators: When Forsberg is fully healthy, he is a very fun player to watch and put up 40 goals last season. The Predators made some additions, which give Forsberg more opportunities to put up points.
Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars: The pressure is on for Jason Robertson. The Stars could not agree on a long-term deal. One-year $12 million for Robertson, and Robertson is banking on a huge year to get a big payday.
Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks : Despite starting the season on the injured list, Bedard’s impact on point totals is expected to be minimal. He remains the standout player on his team and is likely to finish as their top point scorer by the end of the year.
Dylan Guenther, Utah Mammoth: One of the more underrated players in the NHL is Dylan Guenther. 40 goals in 79 games last season, and the Mammoth are in for a good year. A solid core of players, and if they get good goaltending, they can be a team to watch this year.
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