Tbh lou RUINED the leafs with some of his moves.

What if Dubas never signed J.T. had somehow managed to sign a real #1 Dman instead.

Sure, who?

IMO any team that has this line up would be a contender.
It has been most unfortunate that Boston knocked them out twice Columbus once.
It is really a good team.
When Marleau was added, management decided now was the time, while he performed well, the team hit the Boston road block.
His skills diminished the following year and it cost a first to dump his salary.
In hindsight signing him was poor decision, if the Leafs won the cup, everyone would have cheered.
IDK what happened Zaitsev, he looked really good when the Leafs offered him the big contract, then his performance went south.

Many teams make mistakes.
Look at my Sabres.
O'Reilly leads the team to last over all then wins a cup the next year with a new team.
Okposo is signed to a good contract now he plays fourth line minutes at $6,000,000 for another 3 years.

I think Dubas will do a good job and the Leafs will rebound.