I disagree. This is the year to go for it. You have to give up something to obtain something. The reason I say this is multi-faceted.
We simply won't have this situation again in terms of playoff format, and, the rentals were received for cheap. We couldn't have expected these short term deals, especially at the cap hit.
Go for it now and deal with the fallout later. A team always has to be prudent, but, if it requires an extra prospect or a first round pick this year or next to get the stud(s) you need. IMO this team should do so. The Leafs don't have the flexibility to stack their team anyways due to the Cap, but they can improve it. Possibly even significantly.
There are no guarantees in pro sports. When your best players are doing well, maturing and hungry, you must feed them and put the best warriors/gamers together to take on any opponent.
Specifically re: the playoff format. While important, I do think there is a bit too much of a "Once we are back in the Atlantic, it is going to be the same old" which is normal for the fans to think, but I don't think management will.
I also think the Atlantic could swing in our favour in the next few years.
Tampa will be amazing and amazing for a while. No denying that.
Boston is interesting. I think they go as long as Bergeron, Marchand and Rask last. If that is a lot of years, well that is trouble. If not, I see them taking a step back and retooling.
Florida is weird. I think they are good, but not this good. They will be a thorn in our side, but not a juggernaut.
Montreal is interesting. Not sure they can do it with this core. Future core looks good, but to me I think they would have been better off bottoming out a couple times. They will always be in the mix, but its really dependent on how good Suzuki, KK, Caufield and Romanov turn out.
Ottawa looks like they could be amazing eventually, but how soon?
Detroit has nice pieces, but like Montreal, not sure if they will be good enough to form a juggernaut.
Buffalo is an absolute circus.
Lots of ifs, but I don't see why the division in the next few years needs to be seen as a deterrent or insurmountable challenge.