Craig Berube and the Leafs' Misuse of Newly Acquired Forward Raises Serious Concerns

When Toronto acquired Scott Laughton at the NHL Trade Deadline, he was expected to bring in a solid defensive punch on the third line while also being able to add some much needed secondary offense.

But things haven't gone according to plan, with the forward going pointless so far and being demoted to the fourth line. Craig Berube is trying to figure out where to best put his newest acquisition, and the fact the team only has a dozen games left to figure it out; there's not much time left.

So it might be in his best interest to make a change.

Paying a prospect and a first round pick for a fourth liner is a very steep overpayment for Brad Treliving, and Craig Berube needs to better use his Swiss Army knife in Laughton.

He's had a bit of bad luck too, as he nearly had his first goal off a Brandon Carlo wrist shot, but was called back due to it being deflected off of Laughton's stick, which was ruled too high.

But NHL analysts J.D. Bunkis and Sam McKee offered a very simple explanation of what needs to change though, and it's a pretty blunt observation:

But he's also played eight games already, is pointless and a brutal minus-5 and seven PIM. He's winning face-offs, throwing hits and blocking shots, but it hasn't been enough to warrant such a big trade.

Which is why Craig Berube needs to give him a bigger opportunity. Why not give Laughton a go with John Tavares and William Nylander?

He's comfortable on the wing, and s spark in his offense could be the confidence boost needed to drop him back down with some much needed momentum. The team can afford to sit Calle Jarnkrok or Pontus Holmberg for a couple games to see how it works out; and the team needs to figure something out fast.

Laughton's inability to provide an impact is only going to be detrimental to the Maple Leafs come playoff time, and it's better to get things sorted out with the minimal time they have left as opposed to Game One of the first round.

Contrast it to Connor Dewar, a fourth line forward who didn't get much time with the Maple Leafs to showcase what he can do; he's put up four points in six games with the Penguins since being traded, while being plus-4 and adding solid defense.

It's frustrating then to see Laughton struggle given his experience and track record, and the fact Toronto gave up Nikita Grebenkin makes it sting more than it should.

Time is ticking for Craig Berube to figure out how to best use Scott Laughton because the playoffs may heavily depend on it.