On paper, we are better off than at the start of last season even if Stamkos and the older crew drop off some.
Stamkos, Marchessault are better than any of the forwards we lost.
Skjei is as good or better than McDonagh and the rest of the defense is basically the same.
Saros is still saros and Wedgewood is basically the same as Lankinen.
If we can also get incremental gains from the young players like Novak, Evangelista, Parssinen, and Tomasino, then this should be a pretty good season even with regression from Nyquist.
Who do we think will be the PK forwards?
Sissons, McCarron, Smith, RoR, and maybe Parssinen. Jankowski if he is on the roster as well.
Novak, Stamkos, Marchessault, Evangelista, Tomasino, and Forsberg werent used on the PK last season. Nyquist would get tagged in occasionally. This is something that may play into lineup decisions in the long run.
For defense: Skjei, Lauzon, Carrier, and Schenn. Fabbro if he is playing is also a choice.