Predicting Team MVPs For The 2024-25 WHL Season: Central Division

The Central Division is stacked with plenty of talent on all six teams. While there has been some shuffling as players departed the WHL for the pros, there are still quite a few game-breakers who should be able to dominate in 2024-25. With this in mind, here is an early projection of who will be each Central Division's team MVP by the end of the season.

Calgary Hitmen- Carter Yakemchuk

One of five WHL defencemen to post a point-per-game or better season and the only one to do it in his draft year, the 7th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft looks to bring the Hitmen back to the postseason once again. Yakemchuk, selected by the Ottawa Senators, will face an immensely significant role this coming year but will be up for the challenge.

Edmonton Oil Kings- Gracyn Sawchyn

While the easy selection could have been Blake Fiddler, Sawchyn came in part-way through 2023-24 from the Seattle Thunderbirds and immediately made his mark. Thirteen goals and 43 points in 37 games with a brand new team in the WHL is nothing to sneeze at, and the Florida Panthers draft pick is primed for another big season; this time, with an improved supporting cast.

Lethbridge Hurricanes- Miguel Marques

After an underwhelming first 70 games or so in the league (relative to his U17 and U18 numbers) Marques has exploded offensively, going from 20 points in 2022-23 to 74 the following season. The Nashville Predators prospect looks to take on a larger responsibility with most of the leadership group aging out, as well as continue his high production.

Medicine Hat Tigers- Cayden Lindstrom

As good as Gavin McKenna is, and is projected to be, Lindstrom will be back with a vengeance after having his 2023-24 season cut to 32 games due to injury. Medicine Hat is also keeping a large amount of the roster together after last season, which will allow Lindstrom to elevate his game further and prove even more why he was selected 4th overall at the 2024 NHL Draft.

Related: Five WHLers Drafted In The First Round Of The 2024 NHL Entry Draft

Red Deer Rebels- Kalan Lind

With the departure of captain and leading scorer Kai Uchacz, someone will need to step into that role and Lind fits the mold very well; he put up a respectable 45 points in 46 games in the 2023-24 campaign. Another player that had his season shortened due to injury, the Predators draft pick will be eager to "take over" the team and lead them over the bump that is the second round of the playoffs.

Swift Current Broncos- Clarke Caswell

Caswell is looking to build on a very strong season and lead his team in points once again, not far removed from a 77-point campaign. Much like Medicine Hat, the Broncos are able to keep most of their top scorers (aside from Josh Filmon) and the 2024 Seattle Kraken pick is poised to conjure himself another 70+ point season.

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