The acquisition of Scott Laughton by the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline last season was met with skepticism by some, who questioned whether the price paid – a 2027 first-round pick and prospect Nikita Grebenkin – was too steep for a depth center. However, recent performances suggest that Laughton is proving his worth and silencing the doubters.
Laughton, a 30-year-old native of Oakville, Ontario, about 20 miles from Toronto, was brought in to fill a need for a versatile, two-way forward who could contribute on the penalty kill and provide depth scoring. While his offensive numbers may not be eye-popping – a career-high of 43 points in a season – his aggressive style of play and hockey IQ were seen as valuable assets for a Leafs team looking to make a deep playoff run.
Initially, Laughton struggled to find his footing in Toronto. In his first eight games with the team, he failed to register a point and was a minus-5. This led to increased criticism of the trade, with some questioning whether he was pressing too hard to impress in his new environment.
However, Laughton has since found his stride, becoming a reliable presence in the Leafs' lineup. His strong play was particularly evident in a recent game against his former team, the Philadelphia Flyers. Laughton scored the game-tying goal in a 2-1 victory, showcasing his ability to come through in crucial moments. Beyond the goal, he delivered an outstanding performance, winning a significant number of faceoffs and demonstrating the two-way prowess that made him an attractive target for the Leafs.
"It's probably going to be weird and emotional," Laughton said before facing his former team. His performance suggested he was more than ready for the challenge.
The trade for Laughton also brought a fourth-round pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2027 to the Maple Leafs. In return, the Flyers received Grebenkin, a 21-year-old prospect who had shown promise in the KHL and AHL. Philadelphia also obtained Toronto's 2027 first-round pick. At the time, Flyers General Manager Daniel Briere acknowledged the difficulty of trading Laughton, recognizing his integral role and leadership within the team.
With the Leafs aiming for a deep playoff run, Laughton's experience and versatility will be crucial. As he continues to solidify his role and contribute in meaningful ways, the narrative surrounding the trade is shifting. What was once viewed as a potential overpayment is now looking like a shrewd move by General Manager Brad Treliving to bolster the team's depth and add a valuable piece to their Stanley Cup puzzle. Laughton is proving that the Maple Leafs' belief in him was not misplaced, and that the trade was far from a silly decision.
