Recently-acquired Maple Leafs center finally earns his keep with the franchise
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a few passengers last season, although one recently-acquired center is finally earning his keep in a tangible way.
Last season, the Toronto Maple Leafs were in need of a third-line center, which led them to a trade for Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Leafs gave up a first-round pick, as well as Nikita Grebenkin. At the time, it was a pretty lopsided deal, especially when you consider how Laughton struggled to produce.
This season, the hope was that Laughton would improve. Unfortunately, injuries completely derailed the first month and a half of his season.
Through seven games, the struggles continued, as Laughton had zero points and was becoming a burden on the team's fourth line.
Scott Laughton finally thriving with the Toronto Maple Leafs
However, things have turned around for Laughton, and they have turned around fast. In the last three games, he has three goals.
This includes a slapshot on a breakaway that made its way past the goaltender, Jakub Dobes. It's a good sign for the Leafs, who need Laughton to produce.
Of course, no one is expecting the forward to average a point per game. That would be very silly, and we don't foresee that ever happening.
However, if one thing is for certain, it is that Laughton needs to perform, or he will struggle to find a new contract next Summer when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
The Maple Leafs need offense from all four lines, and when paired with Steven Lorentz and Nick Robertson, Laughton can make a dent.
Leafs fans will be selfishly hoping that this kind of production from Laughton continues for the long haul.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 7 | 566 ANSWERS Recently-acquired Maple Leafs center finally earns his keep with the franchise Do you believe Scott Laughton should stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs beyond this season? | ||
| YES | 495 | 87.5 % |
| NO | 71 | 12.5 % |
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