Just for shits and giggles I did a few very rudimentary player comparisons based on who a few players that went out and whom I assume are their replacements.
First off the big one.
Dougie vs. TDA
Last 3 seasons numbers averaged.
PPG: Dougie .7, TDA .51
TOI: Dougie 21.67, TDA 18.9
I'm assuming they're banking on TDA racking up PP points. I don't think TDA can cover Dougie's defensive responsibilities? If they end up having to put Slavin and Pesce back together on the top pair this completely nullifies what makes the defense so good. Having Slavin and Pesce anchor the first and second pair, while having a true #1 to play with Slavin is what made the defense elite imo. Loosing Dougie and trying to replace his offense by committee on the backend is probably going to make this team worse, no other way around it.
Bean vs. Bear
Last seasons numbers only.
PPG: Bean .26, Bear .24
This one seems to be basically a wash, if not a slight upgrade in Bear. He's a little more established, and of all the moves so far this off-season this is the one I'm most interested in. Bear definitely has more sandpaper, which I like and feel like was lacking on the backend. I personally think there's some upside in Bear and it wouldn't surprise me to see him become the better defenseman in the long run. Hopefully he does it with the Hurricanes.
McGinn vs. Levio?
Last 3 seasons averaged.
PPG: McGinn .31, Levio .38
AGPI: yet to be determined.
Levio puts up slightly better offensive numbers while subjectively playing on worse teams. His health is a question to me, hasn't played what I consider a full season since 18-19. If Levio can stay relatively healthy this is probably a wash, while bringing significant cap savings.
Fogele vs. Stephan
Again last 3 seasons averaged.
PPG: Fogele .34, last 2 seasons .63 last 3 seasons, Stephan last 3 seasons .4
Hopefully there's another move coming to replace McLovin cause Stephan just ain't it. I guess the argument could be made that Stephan played on much worse teams? Not only is he older and slower he definitely lacks the physicality that Fogele had. I see Fogele as a player who was slightly trending upwards, probably hit his peak at around .5 - .6 PPG, while Stephan is a player who is trending in the wrong direction. Maybe the FO is thinking he'll have a bounce back season, but most 30+ players tend to not have those, Cullen excluded.
Cole vs. Fleury, Hanky-panky, Gardiner, whoever.
Cole should be an upgrade defensively I guess. Hopefully his legs can keep up, I don't remember him being the fastest guy, but whatever. Maybe speed isn't our thing anymore?
I'm probably wrong in half of these assessments, and like I said hopefully there's another top 6 player to be added. But as of now I don't see how this team on paper is as good as last seasons roster, definitely not better.