Let's look at this player by player...
Zito is likely to have more points than an empty space, right?
Johnston is likely to have more than two points, which is what Garagan got.
Afanasyev needs to have seven points to beat Campbell.
As long as those three scenarios happen, we're automatically better. I don't think there's a person who can deny that even Johnston/Afanasyev alone improve our club from the second half. I'm not even taking into consideration the idea that D'Amico isn't likely to have a serious cold streak again (second half). This isn't even me being optimistic - just looking at the facts.
Heck, Zito could wind up in LaSalle (small chance) and you'd STILL have someone in that spot with some points, which is better than an empty roster spot.
Id agree it is a talent improvement and no doubt the club needed that. And I've said they have added much needed talent but individual points isn't the whole picture here. 2 are true rookies. And they cost you on the other side of the puck more times than not if put in roles advanced of their experience.
Coaches at this level and lower need players to buy into systems and limit mistakes. (be it positioning/systems/roles ect...for better or worse)
I do think the bodies in vs out you have referenced are good in the long run for the club but how much it improves the team next year remains to be seen.
Foudy n Cuylle added more raw talent last year and.........results were what they were.
Temper the 16 yr old rookie influence on team results. Esp with these 2 true rookies who aren't McDavid type kids, let alone a Cuylle and Foudy addition.....with a staff (like many others across the O including LK) that limit kids PT.
The kid from Ottawa trade will also need to adjust but it should be smoother. But still an adjustment.
Same coaching staff as well that used better rookie talents than Zito and Johnston in a way that left fans frustrated. It wont be any different this year with lesser talent additions.
Good in the long run thou. No doubt.