SO the main difference of people added into our starting lineup this year (as of now) will be Williams, Oshie, Schmidt, and Orlov.
The guys who won't be here from last year that were in our starting lineup most of the time are Green, Brouwer, Ward, Fehr, and Gleason
I know people are really stoked on things right now - but am I the only one that doesn't consider it a major upgrade? Sure, I think we're a playoff team still, but we replaced 60 regular season goal forwards for 40 regulars season goal forwards - and have a less proven/higher risk defense. Considering goal scoring was a huge problem for us in the playoffs, I'm a bit worried. Williams has been a beast in the playoffs, but Ward has also done really well too.
I still think the key of 2015-2016 is Kuzy and Burro. If they take a major leap, we're going to be in great shape. If they're playing like they did last year or maybe even just a little bit better, I'm not sure we're and elite team just yet - or any better than we were last year.
I don't know. GMBM seems to be getting a lot of praise right now.... and I think his deals/trades were definitely good. However, on paper I think Williams/Oshie/Schmidt/Orlov is not much better/any more impressive than Ward/Brouwer/Fehr/Green/Gleason. Not the "next step" better at least.
Someone give me optimism on this and tell me something convincing that we are a lot better this season!