Replacing All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara looms as the biggest challenge for a Hurricanes franchise already rocked by the defection of star first-five Beauden Barrett 12 months ago.
Between them, the international inside-back pairing had notched up 265 Super Rugby caps for the Wellington-based franchise.
Of course, Barrett moved to the Blues last season and both will now serve one-year sabbaticals in Japan next year.
Without them, the Hurricanes have had to promote players with only a smattering of appearances at this level. Jamie Booth becomes their most experienced halfback with 26 games across three teams, while Perenara's straight replacement in the 2021 squad - Bay of Plenty's Luke Campbell - has not played above Mitre 10 Cup.
Jackson Garden-Bachop returns as projected No.10, but his back-up last season was often Perenara, sliding out a position late in games, further demonstrating how much he'll be missed.
Gains
Former All Blacks wing Julian Savea heads the seven new(ish) faces in the 2021 squad, along with Campbell, Tevita Mafileo, Brayden Lose, Ruben Love, Lolagi Visinia and Pepesana Patafilo.
In fact, 'The Bus' has racked up 116 games for the franchise, and returns after two seasons in France and a bright Mitre 10 Cup season with Wellington Lions. He apparently hasn't given up hopes of pulling on the black jersey again, but at 30, time is probably against him.
With the loss of three outside backs from last year's squad, Savea could be a very valuable addition, complementing Jordie Barrett at fullback.
Campbell isn't the most high-profile signing, but could be crucial for the Hurricanes.
With the absence of Perenara and injury to Booth, the Steamers rookie may need to hit the ground running.
Losses
While Perenara will be most missed, the Hurricanes also lose a big chunk of their backline depth, with Kobus van Wyk, Ben Lam, Chase Tiatia, Jonah Lowe, Fletcher Smith and James Marshall all gone.
Lam scored 31 tries in 44 appearances over four seasons in the capital and left towards the end of last season to join French club Bordeaux.
Among the forwards, only prop Ben May and loose forward Murphy Taramai have left.
One to watch
After a breakout Mitre 10 Cup campaign for Auckland, another of the Hurricanes' biggest challenges will be finding a place for wing Salesi Rayasi in their starting XV.
Since signing for the 2019 campaign, Rayasi has made just six appearances for the 'Canes, but the premiership's leading tryscorer - his 14 were four more than the next best - is now ready to make his mark in Super Rugby.
He also harbours Olympic aspirations with the All Blacks Sevens, so his inclusion in this squad should bring smiles to Hurricanes fans' faces.
And with the loss of Lam, van Wyk and Tiatia from the back three, Rayasi has the perfect opportunity to make the wing spot his own.
Possible starting XV: Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles, Alex Fidow, James Blackwell, Scott Scrafton, Reed Prinsep, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea, Luke Campbell, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Julian Savea, Ngani Laumape, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett
2021 Hurricanes squad
Props: Tevita Mafileo*, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Alex Fidow, Fraser Armstrong
Hookers: Dane Coles, Ricky Riccitelli, Asafo Aumua
Locks: Isaia Walker-Leawere, Scott Scrafton, Kane Leaupepe, James Blackwell
Loose Forwards: Liam Mitchell, Ardie Savea, Brayden Iose*, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Vaea Fifita, Reed Prinsep, Gareth Evans
Halfbacks: Luke Campbell*, Jamie Booth, Jonathan Taumateine
First-fives: Simon Hickey, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Ruben Love*
Midfielders: Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ngani Laumape, Vince Aso, Billy Proctor, Danny Toala
Back Three: Wes Goosen, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi, Julian Savea*, Lolagi Visinia*, Pepesana Patafilo*
*New players
