The debate as to weather or not the Leafs are a cup contender has been going on all season, I have been on the side that they are and have felt that they see themselves as being close to that status as well, becausw if they didn't I don't think they would have signed Marleau, nor do I think they would have went after Thornton and Condon, to me those are things you try to do when you think you can win. Others do not believe the Leafs are a true contender yet. But even if you don't think the team is a cup contender yet, you have to admit that they are getting really really close. The team has a trio of young stars up front all 21 or younger, Morgan Rielly at 23 is playing like a #1 D man, Freddie is a borderline elite goalie and the depth up front can compete with any team in this league and all while keeping a relatively strong prospect pool.
I think the question needs to be asked, at what point do you think the Leafs go all in? I don't think it will be this year but come the summer time I think you might see them do it. The team needs a d man and come the summer time the market filled with D men, guys like Ryan Mcdonagh if he doesn't move this year, OEL, Erik Karlsson, possibly Drew doughty if the kings miss the playoffs because he has been very open about his respect for Babacock and possibly wanting to test UFA, Johh Carlson, Mike Green, possibly Tyson Barrie, the market could be flooded with quality d men.
Up front you have guys like John Tavares, who Leaf fans will say they don't need, but lets be honest they will be in on him, because all teams will be in on him because if you can get John Tavares you do it if there is ANY chance of having a 1-2 center combo of Matthews and Tavares down the middle you explore it because not doing so would be stupid. You also have Joe Thornton who Toronto went after last summer and I believe they will go after again to replace Bozak. You have Statsny who could be another Bozak replacement, and you have Backlund.
I do not believe Nylander will be a center next year, I do not know who it will be but I do think they will replace Bozak via trade or UFA. At wing your only Key loss is JVR, Komarov you can replace with Kapenan, who actually might be an upgrade.
Anyway I am getting off topic the point is that while I don't think the Leafs go all in this year, I don't think we are far from the point where they do, I think it is possible we reach that point this coming summer.
What do you think when do you see Toronto doing what the Jays did in 2015 and going all in? that day is coming, we all know it and I think it is coming fast.