There's been quite a lot of turnover in the Central Division, but one thing's probably going to remain the same: Henrik Zetterberg's Red Wings will win the division and the Predators will reach the playoffs. Here's a closer look at how the Central Division will shake out...

1. Detroit Red Wings: Wings GM Ken Holland did a fine job replacing the departed Mathieu Schneider this offseason, moving quickly to land Michigan native Brian Rafalski. The former Devil should be a great fit alongside Nicklas Lidström on the point of the Wings’ power play. And up front, young forwards Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk have emerged as two of the NHL’s most dynamic offensive players. But there’s good reason to wonder whether Holland is wise to again rely upon 42-year-old Dominik Hasek to carry the load in goal.
Key Additions: Brian Rafalski, Dallas Drake, Brad Ference
Key Subtractions: Mathieu Schneider, Robert Lang, Todd Bertuzzi, Kyle Calder, Danny Markov (UFA)

2. Nashville Predators: Offseason reports of the Preds’ demise now look to have been vastly overstated. The team’s future in Nashville secured by a cadre of local businessmen, GM David Poile did a fine job making up for the departures of Kimmo Timonen and Paul Kariya. Radek Bonk should provide a very steady checking-line pivot, while Jason Arnott and David Legwand will do just fine centering the top two lines. Look for the Predators to return to the playoffs for a fourth consecutive time, with future Norris Trophy winner Shea Weber—now the team’s top blueliner—leading the way.
Key Additions: Jed Ortmeyer, Radek Bonk, Greg de Vries, Martin Gelinas
Key Subtractions: Kimmo Timonen, Scott Hartnell, Paul Kariya, Vitali Vishnevski, Peter Forsberg (UFA)

3. Chicago Blackhawks: The ‘Hawks have been terrible for so long, a turnaround is all but inevitable. Last season, they showed great promise, getting off to an excellent start before they were derailed by an injury to top performer Martin Havlat. This year, the talent is better distributed throughout the lineup, and all they need is an average season in goal from Nikolai Khabibulin to compete for a playoff spot. They probably won’t reach the postseason, but the ‘Hawks will be the most improved team in the West.
Key Additions: Sergei Samsonov, Andrei Zyuzin, Yanic Perreault, Robert Lang, Patrick Kane (rookie), Kevyn Adams
Key Subtractions: Jassen Cullimore, Adrian Aucoin, Jeff Hamilton, Michal Handzus, Radim Vrbata, Tony Salmelainen

4. St. Louis Blues: Free agent winger Paul Kariya joins an emerging Blues team that—like the Blackhawks—should be much better this year. Rookie blueliner Erik Johnson will suffer the inevitable growing pains, but should still make an immediately positive impact. And in goal, look for Hannu Toivonen to be the latest in a long line of Bruins castaways to thrive elsewhere. The talented Finnish netminder should provide Manny Legace with tough competition for the starting job.
Key Additions: Keith Tkachuk, Paul Kariya, Hannu Toivonen, Erik Johnson (rookie)
Key Subtractions: Radek Dvorak, Curtis Sanford

5. Columbus Blue Jackets: The hapless Blue Jackets did precious little to improve in the offseason, and first-year GM Scott Howson’s long-term job security no doubt depends a great deal on what he’s able to procure in return for UFAs-to-be Sergei Fedorov and Adam Foote in advance of the trade deadline. The Blue Jackets will likely be the worst team in the NHL, extending their playoff-less streak to a sixth consecutive season.
Key Additions: Michael Peca, Kris Beech, Jiri Novotny
Key Subtractions: Bryan Berard, Brian Boucher, Anders Eriksson