He could just have another sword..I would be surprised if he miraculously gets 'space-sword' back.
I, for one, am quite fine with a reduced role for Asami. Since she is taking over for her crazy dad, hopefully that opens up a spot for a newer character and/or an air-bender kid(or even tenzin) to complete the circle of friends. Even though it's new villains and whatnot, I'd love for them to at least reference what happened in the first season, It would be sweet to just get a recap like they did for each episode of the first season and then start it out '6 months later' or whatever the hell. Cannot wait for this new season. Why do we have to wait until next year though.. BOOO