The Stars should contend for the Central Division crown.

Projected finish - Central Division

1. Colorado Avalanche
2. Dallas Stars
3. Minnesota Wild
4. Winnipeg Jets
5. Nashville Predators
6. St. Louis Blues
7. Arizona Coyotes
8. Chicago Blackhawks

*Rankings calculated by KEVIN, a predictive learning model created by THN's Rachel Doerrie

DALLAS STARS

Last year: 47-21-14, 2nd in the Central (lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Vegas Golden Knights)

Projected: 2nd in the Central

Keys to the Season

1. Robertson plays like Robertson can: Jason Robertson cemented his superstar status last season by recording his second consecutive 40-goal campaign and cracking the 100-point barrier in the process. The Stars’ offensive catalyst will undoubtedly continue to be a focal point for opposing defenders in a more concerted attempt to limit his time and space, so the 24-year-old’s evasiveness and creativity will be tested. If anyone on the roster can find scoring lanes and capitalize on prime opportunities, though, it’s Robertson.

2. Otter dominates, but stays well-rested: Goaltender Jake Oettinger is definitely in the Vezina Trophy conversation entering the season, and with good reason given his outstanding performance last year to the tune of 37 victories. Head coach Pete DeBoer will ride the 24-year-old again between the pipes, of course, but he’s hoping that veteran Scott Wedgewood can deliver when called upon and give Oettinger a break from time to time. That rest will come in handy in the postseason when the stakes are at their highest.

3. The big names deliver… and remain healthy: General manager Jim Nill has assembled a rather impressive group, and the addition of veteran Matt Duchene over the summer will only bolster the club’s chances to achieve their ultimate objective. Along with Robertson, names like Joe Pavelski, Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn, Roope Hintz and Miro Heiskanen present a constant threat that should prove difficult to match up against. The trick will be to avoid the injury bug. No surprise there. The emergence of Wyatt Johnston during his rookie season makes him a name to watch alongside the veterans above as well.

Most-likely Scenario: The Stars win their first Central Division title since 2016, enter the playoffs on a high, and embark on another lengthy playoff run that culminates with a berth in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Worst-case Scenario: Robertson takes a gigantic step back, Oettinger struggles to find his rhythm, and the Stars suffer a disappointing playoff exit in either the first or second round.