WWM:
If it wasn't for Ballard, the Leafs would have made a good challenge for Montreal, Boston and Phili in the 70's. They had a solid team that could have made some upsets. They might have made it to the Finals in the mid 70's, but thats about it. Nothing was going to stop the dynasty of Montreal that time.
As for the 80's...well they might have not been in the Norris division, which was the weakest division at the time, but they would have to compete Montreal, Boston, Phili, Rangers and Islanders. In the Norris division they would have won the divison no problem, but would get spanked against Calgary and Edmonton.