from Tim Wharnsby of CBC,

Among the big questions: Who will win the Calder Trophy? Which is the best of the Canadian-based teams? Which coach will have the biggest impact in his first season with his new team? Which unrestricted free agent will thrive the most in his new setting?

Let's mull over these topics and make a few bold predictions....

David Backes will be the best free-agent signing

There is no doubt high-profile unrestricted free agents Brian Campbell, Milan Lucic and Kyle Okposo will help their new teams in the Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton and Buffalo Sabres, respectively. But the UFA who will have the biggest impact at his new address will be David Backes.

The 32-year-old centre moved to the Boston Bruins from the St. Louis Blues. He gives the Bruins a strong collection of middlemen along with David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron.

Backes brings a grit factor and will fit in nicely with the team's leadership group. He's a well-rounded player who can perform on the power play and kill penalties.

Detroit will finally miss the playoffs

The Red Wings extended their remarkable run of consecutive post-season appearances to 25 when they squeaked into the playoffs in the final days of last season. This run likely will end this season.

more on the Wings plus three more predictions...