Their toughness is a real problem, I readily concede that. But Barrie for Gardiner is an even swap, I'd say. And I don't think Gardiner played in the playoffs, right? As far as being better than last year? They lost to the Bruins in 7 (after being up 3-2). That series could easily have gone either way. I don't know if they are better than last year, but they easily could perform better than they did.
TBH, I don't even know who their backup goalie is this year. Can't be worse than Sparks though, can it?
Edit to add: Losing Kadri wasn't just about salary cap. After all his nonsense, he had to go. Its on them though that he was the only player who played with any grit. Zach Hyman can too but he's out for a while.
(But **** you for making me defend the Leafs. I need to shower).