This was the lineup opening night last season:
DeBrincat-Larkin-Perron
Fabbri-Compher-Raymond
Rasmussen-Copp-Sprong
Kostin-Veleno-Fischer
Walman-Seider
Chiarot-Petry
Gostisbehere-Holl
Husso
Reimer
This is the lineup as of today (and I'm expecting more moves):
DeBrincat-Larkin-Kane
Fabbri-Compher-Raymond
Rasmussen-Copp-Fischer
X-Veleno-X
Chiarot-Seider
Edvinsson-Petry
Gustafsson-Holl
Johansson
Talbot
Lyon/Husso/Campbell
Let's assume at least one of Mazur, Danielson, Soderblom, or Kasper take one of the two remaining forward spots. Are they really worse off than last year? They should get full years from Kane and Edvinsson, plus I expect Raymond to really break out.
I don't think Yzerman is done either.
Yes they’ll be worse because the other teams got better. We’re banking on just internal improvement while other teams signed guys to bolster the roster in addition to internal improvement.
Boston added a top 6 C and a 4-5D. Lohrei will continue to improve.
Ottawa added a top flight goalie which was by far their biggest issue last year. A young forward core as well that again should improve.
Washington, who we lost out a playoff spot to, significantly improved with the additions of Roy, Chychrun, and Dubois.
Philly will be most likely adding the Calder winner and future superstar in Michkov.
Devils added Pesce and with a healthy roster should see big improvements.
Tampa lost Serg but hugely upgraded on Stamkos with Guentzel who is a bona fide play driver. JJ Moser can replace Serg pretty well too.
The list goes on.