Central Division (NHL)

The Central Division of the National Hockey League was created in 1993 as part of the Western Conference during a league realignment, succeeding the Norris Division. It is one of two successors to the Northwest Division. The Chicago Blackhawks have been continuous members since 1993. Original members included the Arizona Coyotes (as the original Winnipeg Jets), Dallas Stars, and St. Louis Blues, though all three were later moved to other divisions before returning. The division currently comprises the Blackhawks, Jets, Stars, Blues, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Colorado Avalanche, and Utah Mammoth. The Central Division was the only division retained for the 2020–21 season, and it has sent five teams to the Stanley Cup playoffs on seven occasions.