Only part of your post I disagree with is the last paragraph. Last year it was clear we'd lost some scoring. Vanek and Gionta had actually contributed goals in 2013/14, and going into 2014/15 they were gone, replaced by Parenteau. Even though the defense was much improved, we knew our offense had taken a step back. 2014/15 never looked like a high-offense season.
This year I see our forwards as clearly ahead of last year's pack. Since October 2014 we lost Parenteau and Bourque, who never came close to delivering on their promise. We lost Prust and Malhotra's combined 4 goals. And we lost the enigmatic Sekac, who none of us have figured out. Those are five roster spots who combined for 20 goals.
Kassian alone could outscore any three of them combined. The other four roster spots will be filled by DSP, Mitchell, and whichever rookies step up. It's still a rough group of forwards, but there are more potential goals than last year, and much more potential room for offensive growth. Another 20-goal forward would really solidify our depth. But even if we start as-is, I see a team that's improved, albeit slightly.
I guess I didn't really give much attention to the 4th line. I most looked at offensive guys.
PAP was a clear top 6 coming into last year. He was coming off 33pts in 55gp, so most were optimistic about it. Kassian isn't coming out of such a productive year. He's a total project and most peg him as a 3rd liner unless he blossoms.
So I wouldn't say he's ahead of where PAP was.
Holloway or Sekac, I think we can fairly say it's a wash.
Bourque was coming off from leading our teams in goal in the POs. There was hope.
So I think our top 9 of Patch-DD-Galla-Galch-Plek-PAP-Eller-Sekac-Bourque was more promising at the start of the year than Patch-DD-Galch-Galla-Plek-Kassian-Holloway-Eller-Weise.
I can agree for the 4th line, we have a better one this year. But coming into a season, I was more optimistic with last year's top 9 than this current one.
I see the appeal. Semin would be a huge risk/reward signing. We'd strike gold if he can perform anywhere close to prime. But we'd scream bloody murder if he turns into Bourque/Briere/Parenteau the Sequel.
The thing is his value is probably dropping by the day. Unless there's a bidding war, you've gotta think he's perceived as damaged goods and will be offered whatever cap leftovers remain. Maybe Bergevin is waiting...
I don't think anyone would scream bloody murder. If we were to sign him it would probably be around a 1-2M dollar amount for 1 year, which would pretty much say it all.
He would be a try out. If it doesn't work, he'd be a healthy scratched and probably on waivers in no time.
This is a very low risk move, same with AK, and people would know they're pretty much trials.
I just don't think Bergevin is interested in those guys.