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Leafs Took Big Gamble in Laughton Trade, But Surprise Condition Could Protect Their Future


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Charlie McAfee
August 4, 2025  (8:35)
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Apr 24, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Scott Laughton (24) gets in position for a faceoff in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs gave up Nikita Grebenkin and a first-rounder for Scott Laughton which could be an overpayment, but maybe it's all part of the plan after all.

The trade deadline last season had the Maple Leafs figuring out who to add for their 3C and though they were linked to some big names like Brayden Schenn, they settled on Scott Laughton.
Not a bad choice whatsoever, he didn't really find his footing however in Toronto and though he gave it his all, looked out of sorts at points. Hopefully a full season under Craig Berube will spark his offense again, and he can be a solid bottom--six contributor.
But the team did end up trading fan favorite and prospect Nikita Grebenkin and a 2027 first-round pick in order to bring him in; which some fans think is a bit of an overpayment.

Draft Condition Gives Leafs a Way Out

But that 2027 pick does come with a bit of an insurance policy, and it could be the reason why Toronto was willing to part with their future selection.
The conditions attached to the pick is that it's a Top-10 protected pick, meaning that if the Flyers fall flat this season and end up with a top 10 lottery pick, they are going to have to wait; the pick then turns into a 2028 first rounder.
While there are no conditions on that 2028 pick, it does give Toronto a bit of a buffer in case the Flyers end up failing spectacularly. They don't have to worry about the Flyers using that pick just yet, and if Philly wants to dangle it in a trade, then it'll become a little less premium than a 2027 selection.

Why the Leafs Risked It All on Laughton

So why then would Toronto trade a first round pick at all for Laughton? Well, some may look at it as desperation on the surface, but looking deeper into things, he fits perfectly with Craig Berube he just needs time.
Over the past eight seasons, Laughton has averaged nearly 165 hits and 29 points while also adding 8 shorthanded goals and 7 game-winners; he's clutch and can come up big when the team needs it.
But beyond the scoring and hitting, he adds a nasty streak that gives opponents pause if they try to mess with him. Not afraid to push back, Laughton will antagonize as best he can in order to get into the heads of the opposition.
He's the gritty, hard-working type of player that doesn't necessarily jump off the scoresheet but helps your team win games through sheer heart, effort and passion.
Plus, at only $1.5-million he's a steal, and won't cost too much to bring back if Toronto so chooses.
So a cheap, effective 3C option has turned into a Swiss Army knife of offense, defense and tenacity that can play anywhere in the bottom-six.
It's the reason Toronto risked it all; they're just waiting patiently for the payoff.
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Leafs Took Big Gamble in Laughton Trade, But Surprise Condition Could Protect Their Future

Do you think Toronto made a mistake trading for Scott Laughton?

Yes100744.2 %
No126955.8 %
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