Dave is a killer
Dave's a Mess
Any claims that we can't compete before games start are insane. Both Bourque and Wilson were on pace for 20+ goal full seasons before injury. Stalberg has a 20+ goal season in his past and is pretty much guaranteed big minutes at ES and on the PP this season. I'm not expecting us to lead the league in goals, but, we have the pieces to put up decent numbers if they stay healthy.
Defensively we have several options to fill the second pairing gap alongside Klein. Which of Jones, Ekholm, and Bartley proves capable of filling that role remains to be seen.
Behind all of that we have a surgically repaired Rinne.
So ... last season's goal tending was addressed via medical attention for our star goalie. Scoring gets addressed by repairing two of our hottest scorers last season (before injury) plus the acquisition of Stalberg. The defensive gap is a risky move counting on a draftee or unproven young prospects. A return to Predators hockey and competitive every night play.
Taking the wait and see approach to that statement