As the trade deadline approaches, teams will have to decide whether to become buyers or sellers. There is no question that the Edmonton Oilers will try their best to upgrade their roster as they sit second in the Pacific division, and are coming off of back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals losses. The Oilers will remain in win-now mode as long as they have Connor McDavid. Being only one point ahead of the Seattle Kraken and Anaheim Ducks, they are expected to make a splash to take a real run at the postseason.
The Maple Leafs are heading towards becoming sellers as they are trailing the Boston Bruins for the final wild-card spot by six points. The Leafs have several pending free agents that could be moved if given the right price. On a recent episode of TSN's That's Hockey, former NHL netminder Martin Biron hinted at Scott Laughton being a perfect fit for the Edmonton Oilers.
Martin Biron's thoughts on Laughton and his connection to Edmonton
“For me, it’s Scott Laughton. Laughton is a $1.5 million contract, so it’s not a big cap hit when you look at trying to fit the player under your cap… So, you’re saying, ‘Okay, 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?’ I think Scotty Laughton would be perfect for the Edmonton Oilers.” Biron said.
The Oilers are in desperate need of help
The Oilers, who are in desperate need of depth offensively, could add Laughton to provide help on both ends of the puck. Laughton has been underused to say the least this season with the Maple Leafs. The Oakville native plays on the team's fourth line and the penalty kill, which is nowhere near the value the Leafs gave up to acquire Laughton. The Leafs, over the next few weeks, will need to begin conversations with Laughton about his future with the club. The Leafs should attempt to keep Laughton, as he has been one of the Maple Leafs most consistent forwards this season.
If the Leafs and Laughton decide to part ways, Brad Treliving must act earlier rather than later, as you can't afford to lose him to free agency at this point. The Leafs have little to no assets, and Laughton could at least help that cause.