5 NHL Trade Deadline Deals the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Consider
By Mike Jack
3. Scott Laughton - A solid centre for the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking a little shaky down the middle to say to least and Scott Laughton could be the plug for that hole.
Max Domi may have excelled offensively in a new role as a Toronto Maple Leafs centreman, but his defensive reliability is questionable. With John Tavares dropping down to a decreased third-line role, maybe the time has finally come to move him to the wing. In any case, the Toronto Maple Leafs are lacking depth at centre.
Scott Laughton would be a perfect fit with the Maple Leafs, and the Oakville, Ontario native is sure to become a fan favourite with his physical two-way style. Laughton is definitely a playoff-style player and with two years left on his $3 million deal after this season, the 29 year-old could prove to be a steal.
He's currently playing of the top line with the Philadelphia Flyers, and he'd likely be a 2C or maybe 3C for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It would be great to see what he can do playing with elevated talent like William Nylander, Tyler Bertuzzi and/or John Tavares.
The Philadelphia Flyers are currently hanging on to the final playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division, though they have fewer points than the two current Eastern Conference wild card teams, but rumour has it, they'll still be sellers at the deadline. There are lots of trade rumours around the team involving Sean Walker, Nick Seeler and Scott Laughton.
I'm not sure what the Toronto Maple Leafs would have to give up to land Scott Laughton, but the price might be too hefty for the Maple Leafs to bite. However, if the Maple Leafs feel that this is the year, they should do whatever it takes.