With the NHL trade deadline looming and the Toronto Maple Leafs slipping in the standings, the buzz around potential moves is only getting louder. And for veteran forward Scott Laughton, that noise is hitting close to home - because his name is right in the thick of it.
Laughton, 31, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. With Toronto teetering on the edge of playoff contention, the front office is facing some tough decisions.
If they pivot toward selling, Laughton becomes one of their most intriguing chips - a gritty, dependable forward with a modest $1.5 million cap hit and a reputation for doing the little things right. That combination tends to catch the eye of playoff-bound teams looking to bolster their bottom six.
But if you ask Laughton, he’s not looking to go anywhere.
“I sure hope so,” he said when asked if he wants to stay in Toronto. “I have family close… Original Six team. It’s special every time you go on the ice.”
That’s not just lip service. Laughton’s been through the grind, and he knows how rare it is to play for a franchise with the history and spotlight of the Maple Leafs.
Still, he’s also a realist. He hasn’t spent much time talking to his agent about what comes next - not because he’s ignoring the possibility, but because his focus is on helping the Leafs dig out of their current hole.
“They have a job to do, to try and make the team better,” Laughton said. “And it’s my job to try and prove that I’m part of the solution.”
That’s the mindset of a pro who’s been around long enough to understand the business side of hockey. If the Leafs decide to sell, Laughton’s the kind of player who could draw real interest - especially from contenders like the Edmonton Oilers or Colorado Avalanche, teams looking for versatile, playoff-tested depth without taking on a major cap hit.
Laughton may not light up the scoresheet, but that’s not what makes him valuable. His game is built on consistency, effort, and leadership - the kind of qualities that don’t always show up in the box score but matter when the games get tight and the stakes get high. Head coach Craig Berube has taken note, calling Laughton a key presence in the locker room and praising his work ethic.
So now the question becomes: can Toronto find a way to keep him?
It’s a tricky spot. On one hand, Laughton’s the type of player you want around when you’re trying to build a winning culture. On the other, his value might never be higher, and the Leafs - if they continue to slide - may have no choice but to listen to offers.
For now, Laughton’s doing what he can to control the controllables. He’s showing up, playing hard, and trying to prove he’s part of the solution in Toronto. Whether he gets the chance to finish the season in blue and white, or ends up chasing a Cup somewhere else, will be one of the more compelling storylines to watch as the deadline approaches.