Central Division Sleepers

Chicago – Kris Versteeg (RW) – The rookie burst onto the scene last year and immediately made an impact. On a young and talented team, Versteeg did not look out of place last year. With 53 points in 78 games, Versteeg is once again penciled in to play on the top line in Chicago.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 80 GP – 23 G – 33 A – 56 PTS

Columbus – Derick Brassard (C) – The talented centerman was unable to complete his first full season in the NHL. Brassard suffered a season ending injury after playing in 31 games where he tallied 25 points. Playing a full season with snipe Rick Nash will only increase Brassard’s value. Look for him to be close to a point per game pace this season.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 77 GP – 25 G – 46 A – 71 PTS

Detroit – Jason Williams (C) – Signed in the off-season by the Wings because of the loss of key players, Williams will get every opportunity to play with all-star center Pavel Datsyuk. In 80 games last season, Williams split time between Atlanta and Columbus, scoring 47 points. He should be able to increase those totals on a more talented Red Wings club.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 82 GP – 21 G – 32 A – 53 PTS

Nashville – Ryan Suter (D) – This development of Suter has taken a surprisingly good turn. The young defenseman is now a staple on the Predators blueline and helps anchor the top powerplay unit. Suter tallied 45 points in 82 games and at 24 years old will only get better. A repeat of his numbers from last season may be a stretch but hitting 40 points should be no problem.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 82 GP – 7 G – 38 A – 42 PTS

St. Louis – Carlo Colaiacovo (D) – Often thought he was made of glass in Toronto, Colaiacovo was traded to St. Louis halfway through the season and thrived on the powerplay. Though the Blues blueline seems to be deep, they have a lot of defensemen that are also injury plagued or too inexperienced. Colaiacovo scored 30 points in 73 games and should surpass those numbers this year.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 76 GP – 5 G – 27 A – 32 PTS

Mark