That is the situation the Southern Steel finds itself in as it looks to put together the squad which will defend its ANZ Premiership title in 2018.
Having lost key players in Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and Jane Watson, as well as promising youngster Jamie Hume, has made it a tough week on that front.
The good news is Steel chief executive Lana Winders said meetings were ''going very well'' with the franchise's remaining players.
She was optimistic about holding on to them, as well as being positive about life without those who had left.
''It's fair to say both Jane and Jae [Fowler-Reid] leave behind some pretty big shoes to fill.
''But I guess when you're running the recruitment of a team, you anticipate these things and you plan for them ahead of time and nurture the talent coming in behind them as much as you can, so that when that time comes, they're ready to step through.''
She said there were strong options for the side locally.
They included players who had come through the Beko League team, making mention of those called up after a van accident meant the Steel was without four regulars.
However, that did not mean the team would be limiting itself to local players.
''We do look at outside options as well, because whoever it is that we contract has to be the best possible person for that role.
''So we always look at all the options outside and inside.
''But with regard to that inside view, that inside view is looking pretty healthy.''
With Fowler-Reid's departure, an import position also opens up for the side.
It was an avenue the franchise would explore, although Winders said no-one had jumped out as an obvious option at this stage.
''When I talk about us looking at all the options, some of those options do involve international players.
''But they have to be able to compete with the players that we have domestically and locally.
''So I don't feel any pressure to necessarily have an import player.
''That import player would have to be head and shoulders above what we have locally.''
Another key area was the midcourt.
This year the Steel carried just three full-time midcourters in its squad, making use of Beko League players when it needed to.
However, with wing defence and captain Wendy Frew likely to miss a lengthy period over the coming months with a ruptured achilles, that might need a rethink.
Winders hoped Frew would be ready to go by next season, although admitted a conversation about the midcourt would be had this week.
