The 2016 season was a tale of two campaigns for the Montreal Impact.

From March to August, the Impact were on the outside-looking-in when it came to the playoffs. However, after reacquiring midfielder Hernan Bernardello and signing striker Matteo Mancosu on loan, their form improved and reached the postseason. Montreal eventually eliminated D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls before Toronto FC triumphed in the Eastern Conference final.

Now armed with an established core of players, the Impact are hoping to reach the conference final again and qualify for their first-ever MLS Cup final.

Here is a closer look at what’s been done and what is left in the Impact’s offseason:

Who’s In

Ballou Tabla, Louis Beland-Goyette, Chris Duvall, Blerim Dzemaili

Who’s Out

Didier Drogba, Eric Kronberg, Wandrille Lefevre, Patrice Bernier, Amadou Dia, Kyle Bekker, Jeremy Gagnon-Lapare, Lucas Ontivero, Romario Williams, Donny Toia, Johan Venegas, Harry Shipp

Draft

1st Round: No. 19 overall

2nd Round: No. 41 overall

3rd Round: No. 63 overall

4th Round: No. 85 overall

Remaining Needs

The Impact cleared a lot of players off their roster, but they should retain the likes of Patrice Bernier, who announced that he will not retire. The signing of Canadian Under-20 Player of the Year Ballou Tabla was a positive step as Montreal needs to get younger.

The major concern with regard to positional depth is up front. Harry Shipp, Lucas Ontivero and Didier Drogba departed, leaving just five players to play out wide or as a No. 9.

The Impact could choose to fill those roster spots through the draft, but with significant cap space opened up, they could try to add more strength in depth to bolster the bench, especially with an older squad.

Outlook

The Impact haven’t lost any major pieces, which is massive. The back five remained intact, the midfield was strengthened by Tabla and Blerim Dzemaili. Matteo Mancosu, Ignacio Piatti and Dominic Oduro, the front three during the postseason, are still contracted, so the XI is in good shape.

Head coach Mauro Biello might feel more comfortable if he added another winger to compliment Michael Salazar and an additional striker. Anthony Jackson-Hamel is Mancosu’s backup at this point, but given the Impact’s window for success, the team may rely on a more experienced option.

There have been rumblings in Argentina over Piatti returning to San Lorenzo, or perhaps moving to Boca Juniors. Losing their best player would obviously be a cruel blow to the Impact. It also ramps up the pressure on Montreal to win now.

Provided the Impact hold onto Piatti and add depth up front, they should be in a prime position to contend in the Eastern Conference.