The Hockey News' projection tool ranked teams for the 2023-24 season — and the expectations are high for the Colorado Avalanche.

Rankings calculated by KEVIN, a predictive learning model created by The Hockey News' Rachel Doerrie, placed the Colorado Avalanche at the top of the Central Division.

1. Colorado
2. Dallas
3. Minnesota
4. Winnipeg
5. Nashville
6. St. Louis
7. Arizona
8. Chicago
*Rankings calculated by KEVIN, a predictive learning model created by Rachel Doerrie

Colorado Avalanche

Last year: 51-24-7, 1st in Central Division (lost in the first round to the Seattle Kraken)

Projected: 1st in the Central Division

Keys to the season

1. Scoring depth from new additions: GM Chris MacFarland and President Joe Sakic filled the holes in the roster with some smart players. Ryan Johansen, Jonathan Drouin and Tomas Tatar are all solid shooters, while Miles Wood and Ross Colton will help create more scoring chances for the team. 

2. Staying healthy: Last season was full of rotating injuries for the Avs even though they still won the Central Division. The longer offseason was a blessing for many of the veterans who were nursing lingering injuries from the season. If the team remains healthy — with chemistry and production from the new players — Colorado will be a top contender not only to win the division, but also the conference and Stanley Cup. 

3. Another solid season in net: Alexandar Georgiev tied Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark last season in wins and was in a four-way tie for fifth place with a .919 save percentage. With no timetable for Pavel Francouz's return from injury, Georgiev will bear the load between the pipes again this season. If he continues to play at the level he did last season, he will be the factor for the Avalanche to make it deep into the playoffs. 

Most-likely scenario: The team stays healthy, develops strong chemistry and proves to be a force in the West. The Avalanche win the Central Division earning more than 100 points this season and go deep in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Worst-case scenario: Georgiev loses his mojo, elite players suffer injuries and it's a scramble for scoring with a lack of leadership from the top line. 

KEVIN also projected the Nashville Predators to be the closest team if other teams slip and the Winnipeg Jets as the wild card for the division.