I don't think it's as bad as many think. The Panthers actually did some addition by subtraction and are most definitely a much faster team. The foward line up you suggested is also kinda weird to me, I would have Trocheck center the second line with Haapala and Vrbata as his wingers, Dadonov would play with Huberdeau and Barkov, Bjugstad center the third line with Tippett on the left and have Malgin play right wing (where I think he's better off). Then 4th line would be MacKenzie at center then Haley on the left and Sceviour on the right. I firmly believe that the Panthers aren't that much of a mess at all, sure it is unfortunate to lose Jagr/Marchessault but otherwise I think the panthers have made some decent (not fanastic but decent) moves.

I'm not saying they're a mess, but there "gains" do not improve on their "loses" during the off season. Improvement has to come from with or maybe they spend some of the cap money on. a good player or two.