That's what I'm saying, guy…

Jonathan Toews would like to lead the Blackhawks to another one of these

It seems like just yesterday Jonathan Toews was lifting the Stanley Cup over his head after the Blackhawks beat the Flyers in 6 games earlier this year, but the off-season is now finished and the NHL will begin it’s regular season on Thursday.  The off-season was highlighted by the Ilya Kovalchuk situation, the Blackhawks being forced to trade several key players from their Cup run, and the Montreal Canadiens deciding to trade their playoff hero, Jaroslav Halak. Several teams face important questions as well. Will the Washington Capitals rebound from their stunning first round exit last season? Is this the year the Sharks finally complete their playoff run? Can the Leafs finally make it back to the playoffs? How will Carey Price fare? No one knows the answers to these questions yet, but there is plenty of optimism around the league as teams wait for the puck to drop on Thursday.

Before I get into the habit of writing on the NHL regularly this season, I figured I might as well go on the record with a couple of predictions for the upcoming year:

Hart Trophy/Art Ross: Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Rocket Richard Trophy: Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

James Norris Trophy: Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings

Vezina Trophy: Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix Coyotes

Calder Trophy: Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers

Presidents Trophy: Washington Capitals

Best Canadian Team: Vancouver Canucks

Eastern Conference Final: Pittsburgh Penguins over Boston Bruins

Western Conference Final: Los Angeles Kings over San Jose Sharks

Stanley Cup Final: Pittsburgh Penguins over Los Angeles Kings