Central Division Breakout Candidates

MINNESOTA WILD

Apr 9, 2013; St. Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Mikael Granlund (64) against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Xcel Energy Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Mikael Granlund – Being tagged with the label of “best player outside the NHL” the previous season, at lot was expected of Granlund in his first season in North America. He failed to live up to those expectations, but that could be considered a transition year. With more opportunity to play on the top two lines he could meet expectations.