Scott Laughton is earning instant praise in Toronto for something the Leafs have needed for a long time
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton has been earning tons of praise lately for adding something to the lineup that's been lacking even after their identity change.
When he was brought in at last season's trade deadline, Scott Laughton was expected to be the team's 3C and while the team gave up a pretty hefty package in order to do so -- they felt he was one of the best options available.
Though it took a bit of time to get acclimated, Laughton has been a crucial part of the team's mid-season resurgence and has helped solidify their bottom-six while also locking down the penalty kill which has been a strong suit for the team this season.
But what he's doing on the scoreboard only compliments one of his biggest strengths, that being toughness; and it's something the Maple Leafs have desperately needed.
Scott Laughton: Tough guy extraordinaire
It was something that was noted by both Sam McKee and JD Bunkis as they discussed Laughton's performance as of late, capped off by a strong defensive game against Winnipeg.
Among the qualities rattled off about Laughton, it was his toughness that brought the most praise and rightly so:
Him going nose to nose with Vilardi, then Toews gets involved and he doesn't back down. This is what the team needed for so long. When you talk intangibles this is what they lacked. - Sam McKee
The fact he wouldn't let it go, it wasn't one little thing. Just in his grill giving him the what for; it was electric.
We've been dying for exactly this: the toughness that extends throughout your lineup that isn't just fighting. It's about sticking up for each other in those kinds of moments. - JD Bunkis
The fact he wouldn't let it go, it wasn't one little thing. Just in his grill giving him the what for; it was electric.
We've been dying for exactly this: the toughness that extends throughout your lineup that isn't just fighting. It's about sticking up for each other in those kinds of moments. - JD Bunkis
The emotional situation can be seen all over the Maple Leafs forward's face too:
It's been such a breath of fresh air to have Laughton taking responsibility because far too often will we see Maple Leafs players pushed around without much response.
Toronto feels nastier, tougher, and more importantly closer with Laughton
But since Laughton has come back it feels like the team is nastier and won't take anything from anyone. It's not the first time Laughton has done this either:
The toughness and closeness that Laughton has with the team is also in part due to his relationship with Auston Matthews, Max Domi and Easton Cowan as the quartet have formed a tight-knit group, so if he feels his on-ice brothers are disrespected he won't stand for it.
Over the past few games, the Maple Leafs have felt like a much more physical and aggressive team. They are fighting more, they are quickly clearing the crease of anyone and if there's a big hit taken, there's one in response almost always.
This united front isn't going to be perfect and there are still some issues the team needs to iron out before they really lock things down.
Though as long as they have Laughton in tow, if they do go down -- it won't be without a fight.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 18|1266 ANSWERS Scott Laughton is earning instant praise in Toronto for something the Leafs have needed for a long time Do you think the Scott Laughton trade was a positive or negative one for the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Positive | 954 | 75.4 % |
| Negative | 126 | 10 % |
| Indifferent | 186 | 14.7 % |
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