Not even close to a contender IMO.

No cap space and a 20 man roster isn't an option in an 82 game schedule.

Pass for sure.

Really, not even close to a contender?

I certainly understand the concern about roster size & cap space with respect to flexibility over the course of an 82 game schedule.

But surely adding Danault and Tatar (2/3rds of one of the leagues top 5 lines last season) at least puts you in the conversation. That would essentially give the leafs three 1st-lines, making them even more of a matchup nightmare than they already are.

With 3 lines that are able to consistently dominate in even-strength scoring chances and the defensive gains that the team made last offseason, even with the slightly skeleton roster, surely this is a team that can contend.

I think you're sleeping on the impact Danault and Tatar can bring to the team.

But, I will concede that certainly the cap and roster size situation is not a comfortable position to be in.

Does it really matter who your 3rd line is when the guys making all of the money can't get it done when it really counts?

Regular season achievements are super! Show me that you can do it when it matters most and I may start believing you are worth the money that you've already been paid.