The Edmonton Oilers are undoubtedly a buyer to watch once the NHL roster freeze lifts later this month. After losing in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, the Oilers will be looking to redeem themselves and win it all in 2026.
The Oilers are currently in second place in the Pacific Division standings with a 28-22-8 record and 64 points. However, the Seattle Kraken, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings are all right behind the Oilers in the standings, so Edmonton is expected to make some moves ahead of the deadline.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, on the other hand, are in a tough spot. While they have a 27-21-9 record and 63 points, they trail the Boston Bruins by six points for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference standings. With this, there is a chance that the Maple Leafs could end up being sellers if they are not in a better spot in the standings once we get closer to the deadline.
If the Maple Leafs decide to be sellers, forward Scott Laughton would be a player to keep an eye on as a trade candidate. The 31-year-old center is in the final season of his five-year, $15 million contract and is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA). If the Maple Leafs do not sign him to a contract extension and make him available for trade, he could make a lot of sense for the Oilers to bring in to boost their center depth.
Because of this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade pitch that has the Maple Leafs trading Laughton to the Oilers.
Oilers Get:
- Scott Laughton
Maple Leafs Get:
- 2026 Second-Round Pick
- 2028 Fourth-Round Pick
Oilers Urged to Target Maple Leafs’ Scott Laughton
During a recent appearance on TSN’s ‘Domino’s That’s Hockey,’ former NHL goaltender Martin Biron argued that Laughton would be a perfect fit for the Oilers.
“For me, it’s Scott Laughton. Laughton is a $1.5 million contract, so it’s not a big cap hit when you look at trying to fit the player under your cap… So, you’re saying, ‘Okay, can we mix and match somebody that will fit as a third-line center and maybe would be better suited as a fourth-line center if and when Henrique comes back?’ I think Scotty Laughton would be perfect for the Edmonton Oilers,” Biron said.
With the Oilers in need of another bottom-six center, Laughton certainly could make a lot of sense for them as an affordable trade target. This is because he is a solid two-way forward who plays a heavy game, kills penalties, and is well-known for being a good leader.
Furthermore, while Laughton has only 11 points in 39 games this season with Toronto, he has shown in the past that he can contribute solid secondary offensive production when playing at his best. The 2012 first-round pick has recorded at least 30 points in each of his four previous seasons. Thus, he could give the Oilers decent offense in their bottom six as well if he bounced back.
Maple Leafs Facing Decision With Laughton
The Maple Leafs undoubtedly have a decision to make with Laughton between now and the 2026 NHL trade deadline. When noting that he is a solid part of their bottom six and penalty kill, it would be understandable if they looked to extend him.
However, if the Maple Leafs and Laughton do not agree to a contract extension near the deadline, Toronto may need to listen to offers for him. If the Leafs make him available, the Oilers would be wise to pursue him.
Oilers Trade Pitch Lands Maple Leafs Veteran Center