Yeah I have to say it was refreshing to get something other than the lazy "that defense" narrative. Two guys with over 50 points, Dermott is a top 4 D on the bottom pair. Sure, the top RD is a hole, but every team has at least one of those. Zaitsev had a 30 point year and was a very solid 2nd pairing D playing tough minutes in his first year. If he gets back to that level, Zaitsev and Hainsey are fine as the bottom 4.
Maybe Dermott slots over and Borgman makes the bottom pair to add some size and balance out the defense. Assuming he plays his smart, calm hockey, he will compliment Rielly well.
Rielly - Dermott
Gardiner - Zaitsev
Borgman - Hainsey/Carrick
That is without seeing any of the new guys coming in. Two pairs with 50 point guys on it. Sure, they might struggle if they are being hemmed in their zone, but this is a group who can move the puck well to the forwards, and good luck hemming us in with the group up front we have.