2009 NHL Season: Let the Speculation Begin

I apologize for starting this early, but free agency has me eagerly waiting for the start of the next season. To calm my nerves, I am going to give you my predictions and hand out some awards to teams and players I deem deserve them.

2009 Stanley Cup Champions: Detriot Red Wings

Aside from a couple of 40-year-olds, they aren't losing anyone from their championship team. You know what you're going to get from Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Lindstrom. Add Stuart and Kronwall together for 82 games, Val Fillpula with an extra year of maturity plus the confidence Franzen must be riding from his incredible scoring performance over his last 30 or so games and I see no reason for them to disappoint. 

However, if they needed a little boost, they added some guy named Marian Hossa.

Most Improved Player: Sean Avery

Sean Avery showed the world he was more than a hack-pest with some solid output, especially in the playoffs. He also reminded us that he was a hack-pest with his shenanigans in front of Marty Brodeur during the playoffs.

Most Unimproved:  Ray Emery

What the hell happened to this guy? Ray, I know you enjoy boxing in your free time, just try not to do it with anymore of your teammates. Give up the booger sugar as well.

Most Undeserving Captain: Eric Brewer

Did you watch any Blues games last year?  Didn't think so.  If the "C" doesn't come off his chest this year Andy Murray can expect a knock on his door and a fist in his face

Most Improved Teams through Draft and Free Agency: Columbus Blue Jackets

Tampa did well, New York did great, but Columbus made a killing.  Umberger, Hueseluis, Commodore, Fedor Tyutin, Christian Backman, Raffi Torres on top of a skillful Russian draft pick Filatov all underneath a great coach in Ken Hitchcock... Don't fall asleep on these guys.  Detroit will still take the division but the Jackets are going to shock a lot of people, including Preston Blaine.

Top 8 Western Conference teams at the end of the regular season:

1. Detroit

2. Dallas

3. San Jose

4. Calgary

5. Anaheim

6. Columbus

7. Edmonton

8. Chicago

Sorry Minnesota and Colorado...