Maple Leafs Addition Drawing Criticism From Fans After Disappointing Start

It was the talk of the town for months. Who would the Toronto Maple Leafs end up trading for in order to get that third line center they have desperately been searching for? Would they make a splash for Brayden Schenn, or keep it simple with someone like Scott Laughton?

They settled on the latter, and while it cost them an exciting but raw prospect in Nikita Grebenkin and a first round pick, Laughton is a veteran with defensive chops, a will to win, and a hometown connection; all things seemed to point in the right direction.

But so far, his tenure hasn't been as great as fans had hoped, and while he can only do so much, GM Brad Treliving is feeling the sting of criticism for the deal.

It's less the fact they traded Grebenkin, but more they gave up a premium pick for a player who isn't going to move the needle that much. Expected to add a lot more grit, defense, and the chance for some offense, it's been anything but.

Two points in 15 games, a minus-5 rating, and nine penalty minutes is not really indicative of an 'impact player' and while there were certainly going to be growing pains, we're at the point where things should at least be figured out.

Laughton was demoted to the fourth line almost as soon as he arrived and while he found success at times with Max Domi, it's been overall a failure. Is that really worth a first rounder? Sure, we don't know who is gonna be selected or if they'll be a bust, but he has to do more and do it quick.

Instead, Toronto could have just looked internally at their AHL team and picked up Alex Steeves to fill the role Laughton has. He had 55 points in 55 games, including finishing tied for second in the league with 34 goals.

The Marlies all-time leading scorer, Steeves would add a lot more offense and provide just as much of the defense that Laughton has brought. Toronto needs offense in the playoffs just as much as defense and they need someone else other than the Top 4 to make a difference.

Laughton isn't a difference maker, and his inability to get his playmaking ability going, coupled with a lack of energy and aggression; the trade looks worse and worse.

There may be some buyer's remorse indeed from Brad Treliving regarding Scott Laughton, however we won't know for sure until the playoffs hit. If Laughton picks things up, we'll forget we ever doubted him.

But if not? Expect that criticism to get louder and louder for not only Laughton, but for Treliving too.