Scott Laughton Shares What Really Happened When He Was Traded to the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton was a guest on Leafs Morning Take on Wednesday and explained his reaction to being traded at the deadline last year.
Rumors persisted all last season about who the Maple Leafs would be targeting in order to unring in that 3C they need in order to shore up that hole and make sure their lineup is as deep as possible heading into the playoffs.
They settled on Scott Laughton, a gritty, no-nonsense forward who could throw hits, blocks shots, kill penalties and agitate opponents. It cost them a first-round pick and fan favorite Nikita Grebenkin, and his arrival didn't necessarily turn any heads.
A lot was expected of him but it takes time to get acclimated, and with a full season ahead of him the expectation is that he will certainly improve on both his offensive and defensive output from last season.
Maple Leafs Trade Caught Scott Laughton Off-Guard
The trade itself seemed to catch Laughton off guard too, as he explained to Leafs Morning Take on Wednesday. The former Flyers forward mentioned that he was getting a little R&R before all the speculation picked up and a deal was imminent:
I was in the rumors for like four years, probably since I signed but this was a little more real to me. I was actually in the hot tub when [Travis] Konecny came and said 'Torts wants to see you'.
So I went and saw him and he told me what they were thinking, I was likely getting dealt, they kept me off the ice with the trainers but then Danny pulled me in and we had a chat.
It was emotional but yeah, I was traded at 1pm and we had a plane at 530 so I was out of there pretty quick.
So I went and saw him and he told me what they were thinking, I was likely getting dealt, they kept me off the ice with the trainers but then Danny pulled me in and we had a chat.
It was emotional but yeah, I was traded at 1pm and we had a plane at 530 so I was out of there pretty quick.
Well it's unfortunate for Laughton he wasn't able to enjoy the hot tub a little longer, however he was well aware of how this business works and was geared up and ready to head to Toronto.
Scott Laughton's First Season Jitters Overshadow His Importance
But when he came in, it wasn't exactly the easiest transition and he only managed to score four points in 20 games (2 goals, 2 assists) with 21 blocks and 49 hits but was minus-1.
The playoffs weren't much better, as Laughton was a minus-3 with only two points in 13 postseason contests but did have 41 hits in only 13:52 TOI.
But he's hit double digit goals in 7 of his 12 seasons thus far, and you're not expected to get a bunch of offense from him, but for what it's worth; with time he can help.
His 3C role has been usurped by newcomer Nicolas Roy, and with David Kampf's roster spot still on the fence, Laughton is more than likely going to be penciled in as the 4C.
Not too shabby to have a cheap forward ($1.5-million AAV) who can give you 10-12 goals, kill penalties, win face-offs, hit, block, and aggravate and this upcoming season is going to be a true test if he was worth the price.
If not, it's not like the team can't just walk away come 2026. Besides, they have some bigger targets in mind.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 3 | 1370 ANSWERS Scott Laughton Shares What Really Happened When He Was Traded to the Maple Leafs Do you think Scott Laughton was the right choice for the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 751 | 54.8 % |
| No | 619 | 45.2 % |
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