I think Krug/Faulk as a second pairing will work. It's when we put them up against top competition that they were bad.
That's the real key about losing AP - he could anchor a defensive pairing all on his own. Gunnarson, Edmundson, hell even going as far back as Carlo f***ing Coliacavo (sp). Didn't matter who was on his left side, AP could play against top competition and still drive play north.
Parayko has yet to show that ability. Scandella doesn't inspire confidence in me, but he's the best we've got until we can make a TDL deal for someone better, unless Walman or Mikkola take a massive step forward (As I've stated other places, my money is on Walman hitting that next step over Mikkola, if either of them do). I'm hopeful Walman turns into a top 4 guy that's a good enough compliment to Parayko, but if after 50-60 games it's not working, we go trade for Giordano or Leddy or someone else.
Either way, our D, currently as constructed and HEALTHY, is good enough to keep us in a playoff position for the first 50ish games of the year. Re-asses at the TDL and plug holes as needed IF and ONLY IF we think we can actually win the Cup. If not let's not redo last year where we watch a Schwartz/Hoffman walk away for nothing.