The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a tough spot with six days to go until the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline. Currently 27-23-9, dead last within the Atlantic Division and a full eight points out of a playoff spot, there may be a scenario where the front office decides to sell and recoup draft capital for the longer term.
One potential casualty is forward Scott Laughton, who was traded to the Leafs from the Philadelphia Flyers eventually yr’s deadline. The 31-year-old might be an unrestricted free agent at the top of the season, but made it clear he desires to stick around within the Six.
“I need to be within the fight with these guys,” the veteran told reporters on Saturday, per NHL.com. “I’ve loved my time here and I’ve loved fidgeting with these guys, so I need to be within the fight with these guys and proceed to maneuver forward.”
The previous first-round pick continued: “I have never really modified much. I take pride in attempting to be consistent in every facet of coming into the rink, being positive around the fellows. It’s out of our control. It’s in no person’s control except the staff and we have now to exit and do a job and play for one another and hold one another accountable and make it difficult on teams and make it hard for them to come back back in games.”
The Leafs gave up significant pieces for Laughton on the deadline, including a conditional first-round pick and forward prospect Nikita Grebenkin.
Season is slipping away from Scott Laughton, Leafs
It has been a difficult season on all accounts for the Leafs, who’ve handled injuries and inconsistent play throughout the campaign. The roster can be just not as potent without Mitch Marner, who’s playing at over a point-per-game pace in his first yr with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Laughton hasn’t quite been as advertised in Toronto, either. He chipped in only two assists within the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff because the Leafs were defeated in Game 7 by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in Round 2.
The 2025-26 season also hasn’t been kind to the veteran; he’s managed just eight goals and 11 points over 41 games, while averaging 13:42 of ice time per game.
“I have been within the rumors since so long as I can remember in Philly since I signed my deal so it is often there,” Laughton continued. “You are attempting and clear your mind but at the top of the day it’s your life, it’s where you reside, it’s where your loved ones is and it’s different when you may have a family now. I’m just going to proceed to attempt to play my game, help these guys as best I can and hopefully I’m here.”
It might make sense for Brad Treliving and the front office to explore a trade for Laughton, especially as he could walk for nothing in free agency if he is not dealt. He originally signed a five-year contract extension with the Flyers — the team who drafted him — back in April of 2021.
The Leafs have 4 more game before the trade deadline, and if they cannot string together some wins in that span, Laughton probably won’t be the one player getting a change of scenery.