Mixed signals on a Scott Laughton extension are starting to surface in Toronto
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Although there were reports that the Maple Leafs and Scott Laughton were talking extension, some new information shows that perhaps they aren't exactly there yet.
There's a question about whether or not the Toronto Maple Leafs should trade or keep Scott Laughton, who has been a vital part of the team's identity and quickly went from questionable acquisition to fan favorite.
But with him being a pending free agent and playing himself into a fairly decent season, he could be a potential trade target which might bring back some pretty solid assets all things considered.
Though he would be a much better fit as part of the team, and a lot of fans are hoping that Laughton and the Maple Leafs can come to terms soon -- perhaps even with that hometown discount we've seen before.
New report gives mixed messages about Scott Laughton and the Maple Leafs
We had reports earlier from TSN's Chris Johnston that the team was talking preliminarily with Laughton regarding an extension but haven't progressed further:
He's established, after all year he fits in with this team, this is a comfortable place, they love him and he wants to be here, nothing concrete but the preliminary talks are there.
But a new report from The Fourth Period shows that may not be the case as according to them -- the two parties aren't talking anything just yet:
They have not had any meaningful discussions or negotiations with respect to an extension. I think there's an understanding that they would like to have those discussions.
He's already proven to be a glue guy in the room. But they haven't had those in-depth contract discussions yet with his camp.
He's already proven to be a glue guy in the room. But they haven't had those in-depth contract discussions yet with his camp.
This directly contradicts Johnston's earlier rumblings regarding Laughton and an extension, so what could the actual answer be?
We might not know until the Olympic break, when the Maple Leafs get a better idea of their standings situation and whether or not they should be buyers or sellers.
The debate begins on whether to keep or trade Scott Laughton
If the team has free-fallen and look towards rising the playoffs entirely, then trading Laughton while there's some stock in him would be a smart move. While it won't be the first-round plus prospect they sent to Philly to acquire him, but it should bring back a couple assets.
But looking at what he offers both on and off the ice, he bleeds blue and white and is one of the players who can not only still give the team everything he can regardless of where he plays but also be a great mentor for the young guns.
He's already formed a great bond with Easton Cowan and that could prove fruitful going forward if he were to stick around. Plus, he brings an edge to the team they've sorely lacked.
If the team can get another hometown discount on Laughton then there's no reason why they shouldn't keep him around.
Though if things are getting blown up in Toronto he might be one of the unfortunate casualties of a a sudden retool.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs scouts keep showing up for the same team, and it's starting to look like a trade is brewing
Maple Leafs scouts keep showing up for the same team, and it's starting to look like a trade is brewing
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 27|1308 ANSWERS Mixed signals on a Scott Laughton extension are starting to surface in Toronto Do you think the Maple Leafs need to extend Scott Laughton, trade him, or simply let him walk? | ||
| Extend him! | 912 | 69.7 % |
| Trade him! | 280 | 21.4 % |
| Let him go! | 49 | 3.7 % |
| Don't care! | 67 | 5.1 % |
| List of polls | ||