https://theathletic.com/128714/2017/10/16/mirtle-maple-leafs-versus-capitals-would-be-a-much-different-series-today/
Have to agree. Excellent analysis by Mirtle in comparing the different roster changes to both the Capitals and the Leafs, and why, if last the Leafs & Capitals shall meet again, results may be a more positive one for Toronto.
With the current and much-improved roster, the potential for victory would come off as more plausible. Mirtle breaks down the details (comparing numbers between players then such as Matt Hunwick to current such as Hainsey, for example) and gives compelling reasons why this Leafs roster would accomplish things differently.
Considering the add-ons the Leafs made -- Marleau, Hainsey, Moore, Fehr, as well as Borgman & Rosen, and the deletions the Caps' were forced to make due to salary cap issues -- Shattenkirk, Alzner, Johannsen's, Winnik, Justin Williams, Schmidt -- it goes to show that even with minimal but crucial tweaking here & there, the Leafs now possess more depth, skill, & experience to emerge the victors in such a series, were it to happen again, hypothetically-speaking.