How many "what if" scenarios make the Leafs a contender?

[A1LeafNation]

What If:
1 Reilly/Dermott becomes a Doughty(#1 d-man)
2 Kadri/Marner becomes a Giroux(#1 centre)
3 Nylander/Bracco becomes a Kane(#1 winger)
4 Kapanen/Brown becomes a Hornqvist(#2 winger)

JVR Giroux Kane
Lupul Bozak Hornqvist
Panik Holland Winnik
Komarov Matthias Arcobello

Doughty Phaneuf
Gardiner Polak
Marincin Granberg
Hunwick Robidas
Percy

Bernier
Reimer

Not saying we expect our players to become those guys, just want to see what we need exactly to be considered a contender. I have 4 big "ifs".

Please list what "ifs" you think we need...

Click to read more...

 

[Ricky Bobby]

Drew Doughty in his 2nd season had 59 points and was arguably the best blueliner in the Olympics for not only Canada but the entire tourney. Don't hold your breath on anyone becoming him.

More than anything this team needs a few years to let guys develop + another top pick or two to add to the next core of Rielly, Nylander, Marner + ensure we don't lose pieces for nothing over the next two or three years. We need another deadline like we just had where we added a bunch of extra good picks and prospects.

Around 25% of the current roster is likely gone by the deadline. Likely candidates include every pending UFA.

Around 50% of the current roster is gone within 2-3 years. Likely candidates include Lupul, Bozak, Winnik, Hunwick, Robidas.

 

[AustonMitchWilly]

Just one.

What if 29 NHL teams quit? Boom. Leafs are a contender.

 

[darrylsittler27]

Nylander becomes....

Mario Lemieux.

 

[JamesFromLondon]

I think the only answer is Patience.

 

[Hero]

What If:
1 Reilly becomes Orr and signs for 8 years @ 950k
2 Marner becomes Gretzky and signs for 8 years @ 950k
3. Bibeau becomes Hasek and signs for 8 years @ 950k

 

[The Thin White Duke]

What If:
1 Reilly becomes Orr and signs for 8 years @ 950k
2 Marner becomes Gretzky and signs for 8 years @ 950k
3. Bibeau becomes Hasek and signs for 8 years @ 950k

Yeah but what are they guys we end up trading them for getting paid?

 

[VaughanBender72]

sorry these assumptions are just making me nervous you jinxed it for all of us.