Popular Former Maple Leaf Isn’t Shutting the Door on a Reunion

According to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, “As any smart free agent, [Scott] Laughton is open to making things work long-term in California, where opportunity is fuelling confidence — but isn’t shutting the door on a Leafs reunion.”

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The ex-Maple Leaf was traded to the Los Angeles Kings at the trade deadline and would be happy to sign an extension if talks lean that way. However, Fox is proposing that Toronto consider signing Laughton as well and that he might prefer to return.

“With him leaving, I think we’ve lost a little bit of that vocalness in the room and accountability,” Troy Stecher said on the loss of Laughton. The Maple Leafs will miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season. Part of the issue was culture and leadership. Stecher added, “And that’s hard to replace. It’s hard for guys to get out of their comfort shell. And it was so natural for him to speak up and be vocal. In a time of need, he was the guy that guys would kind of look towards. So, he’s a great leader, a great hockey player, and we definitely miss him on our team.”

Steven Lorenzt added, “He’s just one of those guys, wherever he ends up, in a positive way, he’s doing something to change the organization.”

Would the Maple Leafs Really Bring Him Back?

Some will suggest that the team won’t bring back a player they chose to trade. That said, it’s important to remember why he was traded. Laughton wasn’t moved because the Maple Leafs didn’t want him. He was traded to recoup and asset at the deadline when the Leafs were out of it. He’s a pending UFA and if you can get something, you do.

But, Laughton was looking forward to extending with Toronto before the team fell out of contention.

“I could see it, for sure,” head coach Craig Berube said. “He really liked it in Toronto. And he’s from around there, too. So I think that was a bit of a dream for him to go back home and play. Yeah, I could see him going back there, for sure.”

As for what the new GM will think, that’s unclear, if for no other reason than a new GM or President of Hockey Operations hasn’t been hired. This person may prioritize what a guy like Laughton brings. Or, maybe they’d rather start fresh.

What seems clear is that Laughton is open to talking to both LA and Toronto if they want to talk contract. The Maple Leafs have as good a shot, if not better, than anyone.

Next: Ex-GM Calls Maple Leafs and Canadiens Trade Rumor a Red Herring