Scott Laughton
Rumor has it that the Leafs and Edmonton Oilers are interested in Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton.
To acquire Laughton, the apparent asking price is a first-round pick. The Leafs have their 2024 first-round pick, but will they use it on Laughton or try to package it with another player for a better return?
Laughton has seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points in 54 games this season. Last season, he finished with 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points. Laughton can play center or left wing, so it will make sense for the Leafs to acquire him if they do, in fact, trade David Kampf.
Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe could move Pontus Holmberg down to be the fourth-line center, and Laughton could take over as the third-line center. He has more size and scoring ability than Holmberg.
The Leafs would need to fit Laughton's $3 million salary cap into their system until it expires at the end of the 2025-26 season. Trading away Kampf and Robertson in other deals will free up enough space, depending on the returns in these trades. I don't see the Leafs having trouble making room for Laughton.
Although I think he could be a good fit for the Leafs, I don't think he is worth a first-round pick. So, this rumor could have some truth in it, as I'm sure the Leafs have shown interest in Laughton, I don't see them acquiring him for a first-round pick.