Easton Cowan and the Legacy of Scott Laughton on the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs dressing room is a unique ecosystem, and recently, the influence of veteran Scott Laughton has been profoundly felt, particularly by the team’s youngest player, Easton Cowan. As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the impact Laughton has had on the Leafs, and the context of the trade that brought him to Toronto, are coming into sharper focus.

A Mentor’s Touch: Laughton’s Guidance for Cowan

Easton Cowan, the Leafs’ youngest player, has spent the season learning from Laughton, alongside fellow seatmate Max Domi. It wasn’t about grand strategies, but the subtle nuances of navigating an NHL career. Laughton and Domi shared advice on physical preparation for the grueling 82-game season, and the little things that separate professionals from aspiring players.

“I try to make them laugh,” Cowan shared, grinning. “I mean, they’re both pretty scary when they get mad with me. But they’re both very happy guys, (and) obviously I’ve learned not to piss them off.” Cowan appreciated the insights into what it was like for Laughton and Domi when they were breaking into the league, the differences in social media landscapes, and the overall experience of being a young player in the NHL.

The Value of Experience: Laughton’s Perspective

Laughton himself reflected on his early days with the Philadelphia Flyers, learning from veterans like Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek. He emphasized the importance of having a teammate to lean on, someone to share a lighthearted moment with amidst the intensity of the game. He recalled texting with former teammate James van Riemsdyk about a Batman costume, highlighting the enduring bonds formed in the locker room.

“You can be pretty fired up in the room, so it’s nice to have a guy you sit beside and shoot the s— (with) and keep it light,” Laughton said. He stressed the importance of tidying up and contributing to the team environment, even in small ways. He remembered being a wide-eyed 20-year-old, unsure of everything, and wanted to help Cowan avoid some of those initial uncertainties.

A Trade with Mixed Results

While Laughton’s impact on team morale was undeniable, his on-ice performance didn’t quite match the expectations set by the trade that brought him to Toronto. The Leafs acquired Laughton hoping for a third-line centre, but he primarily played as a winger. The cost of the acquisition – a top-10-protected first-round pick in 2027 (potentially unprotected in 2028) and forward Nikita Grebenkin – raised questions about the value received.

Laughton played 76 games for the Leafs, including the playoffs, but produced a modest 10 goals and 8 assists. His strength lay on the penalty kill, where he excelled, winning 63 percent of his faceoffs. However, he averaged under 14 minutes a game, the fewest in nearly a decade, and the Leafs struggled to generate offense in his minutes.

Looking Ahead

As Laughton’s time with the Leafs nears its end, his legacy extends beyond statistics. He provided invaluable mentorship to young players like Easton Cowan, fostering a positive and supportive locker room environment. While the trade may not have yielded the desired on-ice results, Laughton’s contribution to the team’s culture will be remembered. The Leafs are now looking to the future, with Cowan poised to take on a larger role, carrying forward the lessons learned from a respected veteran.

Source: The Athletic