As the NHL trade deadline looms, front offices across the league are facing the same critical question: buy or sell? For the Edmonton Oilers, the answer is clear - they’re all-in.
Sitting second in the Pacific Division and still feeling the sting of back-to-back Stanley Cup Final defeats, Edmonton is firmly in win-now mode. And with Connor McDavid in his prime, they’re not wasting any time.
But here’s the thing: the margin for error is razor-thin. The Oilers are only a point ahead of both the Seattle Kraken and Anaheim Ducks, and while their top-end talent can go toe-to-toe with anyone, depth remains a glaring concern. That’s why trade chatter is heating up, and one name that’s starting to gain traction is Scott Laughton.
Former NHL goalie and current analyst Martin Biron recently floated Laughton as a strong fit for Edmonton, pointing to his manageable $1.5 million cap hit and versatility down the middle. “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?”
Biron asked. “I think Scotty Laughton would be perfect for the Edmonton Oilers.”
And he might be right.
Laughton’s been underutilized this season with the Maple Leafs, stuck in a limited role on the fourth line and penalty kill. That’s a far cry from what Toronto gave up to get him, and frankly, he’s capable of more.
The Oakville native brings a gritty, two-way game, and he’s the kind of player who can quietly tilt a playoff series with timely goals and responsible defensive play. For a team like Edmonton - top-heavy and in need of bottom-six stability - Laughton could be a difference-maker.
On the flip side, the Maple Leafs are trending toward seller territory. They’re six points back of the Bruins for the final wild-card spot and facing some tough decisions with several pending free agents. If the postseason starts to slip out of reach, moving a player like Laughton becomes less of a choice and more of a necessity.
That puts GM Brad Treliving in a tight spot. If Laughton isn’t part of the long-term plan, waiting too long could mean losing him for nothing in free agency. And with Toronto’s asset pool already thin, getting value back in a trade might be one of the few ways to replenish it.
For now, the clock is ticking. Edmonton needs help.
Toronto needs clarity. And Scott Laughton might just be the player who helps both teams get what they need.