The Toronto Maple Leafs made a bold move to acquire Scott Laughton at last year’s trade deadline, but it hasn’t worked out.
Laughton was supposed to be the third-line center, which was a major need for Toronto. However, he struggled offensively and ended up being demoted to the fourth line. Although he now has a full training camp with the Maple Leafs, NHL insider Rob Couch of NHLTradeRumors believes this will be Laughton’s final year in Toronto.
“Scott Laughton was a solid pickup for the bottom-6. But, he’s in a role lower than he should be playing,” Couch wrote. “Some of his contract is also being retained. So he would be too rich for the Maple Leafs’ blood come next offseason. Even though there is no reason for the team to move him before that. Laughton will provide good work. But is going to get more than $3 million on his next deal and Toronto just can’t afford that.”
Laughton is entering the final year of his five-year, $15 million deal. Given that he’s in the final year of his deal, Couch expects Toronto not to re-sign Laughton, while Laughton may also want a fresh start elsewhere, especially if he’s back on the fourth line.
Laughton recorded 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points in 20 games with the Maple Leafs. He added 0 goals and 2 assists for 2 points in 13 games.
Laughton Struggled With Maple Leafs
Toronto acquired Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers for a first-round pick and prospect Nikita Grebenkin, which was a high price to pay.
Laughton was expected to have a big role with the Maple Leafs, but he struggled from the get-go. He ended up being demoted to the fourth line and being part of a checking line, which hindered his offense.
As Laughton struggled with the Maple Leafs, coach Craig Berube felt like the 31-year-old was trying to play too perfectly. Berube felt like that impacted his play, as Laughton was too worried about making mistakes.
Laughton will look to have a good training camp and prove he was worth the price to play for the Maple Leafs.
Laughton Could be Top-6 Forward for Maple Leafs
Toronto had a lackluster offseason, and there are two top-six roles up for grabs.
NHL analyst Jon Seitzer of LeafsNation believes Laughton could take control of a second-line role and move to the wing to play alongside John Tavares.
“Here’s my case for looking at Laughton on Tavares’ wing,” Seitzer wrote. “Laughton brings both physical and defensive zone attributes to a line featuring Tavares and Nylander that could benefit from someone handling the offensive zone forecheck as well as acting as a reliable F1 in the defensive zone.
“Laughton brings his experience as a centre to a line where there is some debate about how long Tavares will continue in the center role,” Seitzer added. “It is more important to build an optimized second line than an optimized fourth line. Offensively, Laughton is a borderline second-line player. He’s done well in a supporting role with the Flyers when given offensively gifted players to work with.”
Laughton will have plenty of time in training camp and preseason to impress and earn a top-six role.
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