I got laughed at when I said I think the Oilers will have some difficulty this year replacing the 60+ goals that has left the lineup... Foegele/McLeod/Kane/Holloway.
Henrique/Skinner/Arvidsson/Podkolzin "should" be able to replace the bulk of that... but maybe not with quite as much ease as some think... especially when you combine that with Hyman likely regressing from 54 goals which he likely won't repeat again.
It actually wouldn't surprise me at all if this team scores less than last year, They were 4th in GF last season and I could see that dropping at least somewhat.
GA could be an issue as well if the PK isn't as good with the group they have now... always a possibility as it's basically a complete makeover with Ceci/Desharnais/McLeod all gone who all played key roles on the PK last season.
Goaltending is "ok" but a duo of Skinner/Pickard isn't a worldbeater... very much an average type duo and any regression in either or both of offense and defense on the team will put the focus even more on that average duo in net.
This isn't meant to be hand-wringing... just the fact that this team isn't necessarily just carrying on from their game 7 SC form... it's a whole new slate with every team in the NHL squarely gunning for the Oilers who are the clear #1 favourites for the cup now... and that bullseye increases the pressure on this team now. It wasn't "easy" last season and I think it will be even harder this year when every team in the league treats this Oilers team as the #1 contending team in the NHL and brings their A games more often than not.
The PK and GA are the biggest concerns IMO.
The roster just isnt as good as it was at the end of last season. Foegele and McLeod were good players on the PK and pretty good defenisvely at 5x5 as well.
Arvidsson is good on the PK so that helps. I am not sure what to expect from Skinner and Podkolzin at 5x5 but we shall see how that plays out.
The D is the main concern for me. This team is very thin on D. The team needs to play a tight system with the forwards committed to their defensive roles.
An important factor in that regard is that Knoblauch should help with the systems play to start the season. Just a better coach than Woody and the continuity from last season should help as well.
Lastly...the team is much more mature after getting to game 7 of the SCF.
That to me should make a big difference just in terms of being ready to start the season.
I expect some upgrades at the TDL so as long as this team can stay in playoff contention I think that they will be ready to challenge for a SC by the time April rolls around.
Of course injuries are the wildcard.