Anthony Calvillo hopes to lead the Montreal Alouettes to another division title. At least. (CP File Photo)

2004 RECORD: 14-4, 1st in East (lost to Toronto in division finals)

ARRIVALS: RB Michael Jenkins, WR Terry Vaughn, RB Mike Vilimek, CB Serge Sejour, DL Phil Gibson, DB Darrel Crutchfield, DB James Whitley

DEPARTURES: WR Jeremaine Copeland, S Barron Miles, DB Davis Sanchez, RB Autry Denson, OL Sherko Haji-Rasouli, FB Bruno Heppell, DB D.J. Johnson, WR Thyron Anderson, LB Philippe Girard, DB William Loftus, K Matt Kellett

OFFENCE: The Montreal Alouettes are probably the only team deep enough in the East to withstand the loss of two 1,000-yard receivers.

Both Jeremaine Copeland (Calgary) and Thryon Anderson (NFL) are gone this season, but the Als still have enough talent on offence to make defences take notice.

Quarterback Anthony Calvillo is back for his eighth season in an Alouettes uniform and, as usual, the offence revolves around his capable arm.

The 32-year-old pivot has shown no signs on slowing down, throwing an average of 32 touchdowns a season over the past three years.

With Ben Cahoon, Kwame Cavil and the recently-acquired Terry Vaughn as targets, Calvillo is expected to easily match those numbers again.

The running game lost a major component when Autry Denson bolted to explore opportunities down south, but Michael Jenkins and Eric Lapointe should form a capable tandem in the backfield.

Jenkins missed the entire 2004 season due to an ankle injury and is anxious to recapture his form, while Lapointe rushed for 479 yards last year.

The biggest question mark is Montreal's depth at quarterback. If Calvillo gets hurt, as was the case in the playoffs last year, the Als don't have an experienced thrower to replace him.

Back-up Ted White had a brilliant college career at Howard University, but he didn't see much action in his two years with the Alouettes before he was suddenly inserted in the second half of the East Division final against the Toronto Argonauts to replace an injured Calvillo.

Als coach Don Matthews likes to rely on just one quarterback for the entire season, so don't expect White to see a lot of playing time again.

DEFENCE: General manager Jim Popp insists the Alouettes defence will be fine this season. After leading the CFL with the fewest points allowed for the past three years, the bar is set pretty high.

Popp was forced into full recruiting mode when free agents Barron Miles (B.C.) and Davis Sanchez (Edmonton) departed in the off-season, leaving a big hole to fill on defence.

The signing of defensive back Darrel Crutchfield (Edmonton) should fill the void somewhat, but expect the team to go through a few early-season struggles as they adjust to new systems.

Import defensive end Marc Megna is back from a knee injury and will help complement the CFL's top defensive player last season, Anwar Stewart.

SPECIAL TEAMS: With Matt Kellett in Ottawa, the Als are relying on a couple of unproven CFL rookies to help them in the kicking game.

Both Tim Duncan and Damon Duval excelled at the U.S. collegiate level, but have relatively little pro experience.

Duncan, a native of Tulsa, Okla., played five games with the Arizona Cardinals in 2003 and set several school records during his final year of eligibility at the University of Oklahoma.

Duval, a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., is considered one of the best kickers and punters in Auburn University history. He had a 60.8-per-cent field goal success rate in his four years at the school.

With kicking a crucial element in football, it will be interesting to see how Matthews uses these two in game situations.

COACHING: This is where the Als have the biggest advantage. Don Matthews might not be too popular with the media, but he's a consummate winner.

With a record five Grey Cup rings and 213 regular-season wins on his resume, Matthews has already earned his players' respect just through his experience.

He's seen every situation on the field and there's no sharper football mind in the league.

GAME BREAKER: ANTHONY CALVILLO

He's been the heart of the franchise for the past five seasons and it's hard to imagine the Als making a serious run at the division title without him.

Calvillo might not scramble as quickly as other quarterbacks in the league, but he makes up for it with his precise arm and patience. His receivers have learned over the years that if they can get open, he'll find them.

Although he was knocked out of the East Division final with a shoulder injury, Calvillo has been pretty durable in his career, starting in 53 of the last 54 regular-season games.

EXPERT OPINION: "I don't think they're that bad off (after losing four starters to free agency)," said CFL on CBC analyst Darren Flutie. "Offensively they're strong. Anthony Calvillo is the best quarterback in the league. He's so experienced and knows the game so well. But without a backup who does things athletically and can read CFL defences, they will be one hit away from being a pretty bad football team.

"They lost [defensive backs Barron Miles and Davis Sanchez] but still have solid, experienced guys on defence.

"They're definitely behind Toronto and not quite in the Hamilton category yet. It could be that Montreal and Hamilton fight for second [in the East Division]."