Even at full strength, the C depth is really shaky. TT and Cozens will have to stay healthy AND improve at both ends. Without that, any slump they go through will have no option to fall back on. McLeod/Krebs barely cuts it for two bottom-6 Cs, and I'm not sure they actually cut it. Quinn/Peterka have to step up to offset the loss of Skinner's production, because Zucker won't be doing that. So that's a net-zero gain too. Then on D we're hoping Jokiharju finds another gear he has yet to show, and hope Byram can become a defensively sound player that he has yet to show.
The gap between last season and reaching the playoffs this season has to be covered by internal improvement off-setting the loss of a top-6 C and LW, Ruff and a better 4th line. That's a lot of hope.
I'd argue they'll have a better 3rd line as well. They haven't been able to ice a legit 3rd line at any point over the last 10 years, no joke. It's always been littered with the leftovers on the roster. I suppose at one point it was Benson Mitts and Greenway. However, due to other injuries in the top 6 (Quinn), they became a defacto top 6 line.
This year they should have a third line that has some defensive chops, an identity and some modicum of skill. I'd say Zucker (or Benson)-McLeod-Greenway is a rock solid third line that could play against other teams top players and still have a chance to score/win the possession game.
A lot will depend on which, if any prospects make the opening night roster. I'd say Kulich has the most legit shot, with Rosen with an outside chance. That could shake up the top 9 a fair bit and knock a guy like Greenway down to the 4th line, which would be a good problem to have. Let's admit it, he'd be the best player on that line. Kulich could potentially play Center and shift Cozens to the wing, which I think the organization should be looking at eventually.
Most likely though, Kulich is in Rochester and our top 13 forward group is pretty much set. Center depth is definitely a problem that started the moment they traded Mitts. They badly need someone to step up at Center ice to either replace Cozens or at least be there in case of injury. The same could be said at top 6 winger. This team is relying on A LOT going right this year to even have a chance at the playoffs.