The Leafs have reportedly decided on whether or not to keep Scott Laughton
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton has struggled at times this season, but now, he is playing some of the most inspired defensive hockey of his career.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs traded for Scott Laughton, some fans were outraged by how much they gave up to get him.
A first-round pick and Nikita Grebenkin felt like a large price to pay for someone who doesn't score a whole lot of points.
When Laughton came to the team, the expectation was for him to be a third-line center. He was quickly demoted, and for the most part, his offensive game was atrocious.
This season, the Leafs saw more of the same, and it felt like a foregone conclusion that the team would not be bringing him back in the Summer.
However, Laughton has turned his season around and has been a true anchor on the fourth line. His mentality is sensational, and his teammates clearly love him.
Do the Maple Leafs want to keep Scott Laughton?
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Leafs are fully bought in on the idea of bringing the forward back next year.
What he's been able to do on the ice has been very beneficial for Toronto, especially stylistically, and the way they play, and maintaining the presence on the bottom-6. I don't believe contract talks have started yet, but they would like to keep Scott Laughton beyond this season.
While contract negotiations have yet to commence, it remains clear that the Leafs are very much interested in bringing the guy back.
This is great news for Laughton, who has ties to Ontario, and would certainly love to remain with a team like the Leafs.
If he continues to play well for the team going forward here, then sky truly is the limit for Laughton, and it will be fascinating to see where this all goes.
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