From Wally Buono’s retirement from the sidelines to the revamping of the Toronto Argos, to life without Ricky Ray for the Edmonton Eskimos, change was the name of the game during the off season. The biggest question on many of our minds is, “what will the 2012 CFL season bring?”

PHOTO CREDIT - CanadianFootballLeague.ca

Edmonton - Jun. 1, 2012 - From Wally Buono’s retirement from the sidelines to the revamping of the Argos, change was the name of the game during the off season. The biggest question on many of our minds is, “what will the 2012 CFL season bring?” The off-season highlights included:

- The aforementioned Wally Buono stepping away from the coaching side of the game to concentrate on his duties as Lions’ GM. Buono leaves the game as the all-time leader in victories among coaches with 254.

- Eskimos trading away long-time franchise QB Ricky Ray, the winner of two Grey Cups and one Grey Cup MVP award. The biggest question in Edmonton will indeed be who takes charge under center as for the first time in a decade someone other than Ray or Jason Maas will handle the full time starting duties.

- Conversely the Argos have a new head coach, one QB Ricky Ray and a new attitude. The big question in the T-dot will revolve around whether the changes will bring about success. There is no disputing that a healthy Argonauts franchise does the league nothing but good.

- And then there will be the final season of Ivor Wynne Stadium and the opening of the soon to be newly christened Investors Group Field in Winnipeg.

Amidst all the change, one constant remained. The CFL Board of Governors elected to extend the contract of Commissioner Mark Cohon in February. This is one area the league could not afford any instability.

Among the more intriguing questions to ask include:

- Can the Lions repeat? The surprise of 2011, especially after a 0-5 start, the Leos had to deal with the retirement of some veterans and the departure of Solomon Elimimian to the NFL. However, they still have arguably the deepest team.

- Which of the young/unproven QBs will rise to the occasion in the West? Can Darian Durant rebound from a sub-par 2011?

- Will Ricky Ray lead a renaissance for the boatmen?

- Can the Tiger-Cats shed the inconsistency of the past few years and rise to the level of legitimate contender? Is smilin Hank the answer to what has ailed them?

- Is the Alouettes dynasty of sorts over?

All very interesting questions. However, never has the league looked stronger both on and off the field. With none of the teams exceeding the salary cap and the Bombers indicating they have passed the 22,000 season ticket sales mark, there is a lot to look forward to in 2012. No season in recent memory has brought about as much intrigue as the upcoming campaign. How huge would a home game in the Grey Cup be for Toronto given that it’s the centennial title game? Given all the above, it seems almost fitting that the league has brought back vintage-looking uniforms.

Indeed lots to look forward to. Yet somehow, one can’t help but feel that certain constants will remain including Anthony Calvillo’s consistency and Geroy Simon’s electricity. Simon is on the verge of becoming the CFL's all-time receiving yards leader (surpassing Milt Stegall). While Calvillo continues to add to his all-time passing mark, after surpassing Damon Allen late last season. What is old could be new again: records broken in the CFL. Bring on 2012!