Scott Laughton: A Missed Presence in Toronto?
Veteran center Scott Laughton has quickly become a valuable asset for the Los Angeles Kings, but his former teammates on the Toronto Maple Leafs are already feeling his absence. Saturday’s game marks Laughton’s first time facing his former club since the trade deadline, a moment tinged with what-ifs and hopeful speculation about a potential return.
Laughton’s time in Toronto, though brief – 76 regular-season and playoff games – clearly left a lasting impression. As a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), the possibility of him rejoining the Maple Leafs in the offseason is a topic of considerable discussion within the locker room.
Teammates Express Desire for Laughton’s Return
Following Friday’s practice, Steve Lorentz openly expressed his enthusiasm for Laughton’s potential return. “Yeah, that’d be awesome!” Lorentz told reporters. “We would welcome him back with open arms. I know there’s a lot of guys in this locker room that feel the same way.” This sentiment highlights Laughton’s positive influence as a teammate and a player.
Even Leafs coach Craig Berube sees a potential fit. “Yeah, I could see it, for sure,” Berube stated. “He really liked it in Toronto, and he’s from around there, too. I think that was a… dream for him to go back home and play.”
Laughton’s Impact with the Kings
The Kings acquired Laughton as a pending UFA, and he’s currently in the final year of his $1.5 million contract. Unless the Kings prioritize a contract extension before July 1st, Laughton will be free to explore other options. However, Los Angeles is clearly benefitting from his versatility.
Since joining the Kings on March 7th, Laughton has become a key player in all situations. He’s tied for the team lead in shorthanded time on ice, features on the second power-play unit (averaging 1:12 of ice time per game), and boasts an impressive 58.1% faceoff win rate. He’s even entrusted with taking the opening faceoff in overtime, demonstrating the coaching staff’s trust in his ability to win crucial draws.
“I think you win with a guy like Scott,” Lorentz added. “He’s a glue guy, he plays the game the right way, he plays hard, and he’s definitely got the skill offensively and defensively to be out there in all situations.”
Reflecting on Toronto and Future Possibilities
In a recent interview with The Hockey News, Laughton reflected on his time with the Maple Leafs, admitting he was “a little bit” surprised by the team’s initial reaction to a hit on captain Auston Matthews. He also acknowledged the pressure of playing in a hockey market like Toronto and the appeal of potentially returning to his roots.
Whether Laughton ultimately returns to Toronto remains to be seen, but his impact on and off the ice is undeniable. His versatility, work ethic, and positive attitude make him a valuable asset to any team, and his former teammates clearly hope to see him back in a Maple Leafs uniform soon.
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