"Another mediocre bottom 6 player”: NHL fans fume over Scott Laughton’s addition to the Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving acquired Scott Laughton, a middle-six center, along with two draft picks from the Philadelphia Flyers for prospect Nikita Grebenkin and a conditional 2027 first-round pick. The Flyers retained half of Laughton's $3-million cap hit in the NHL trade deadline. Laughton, who has been primarily a third-line center for the Flyers, is expected to be the starting center for Toronto, potentially causing Max Domi to shift to the left wing.

NHL fans aren't happy with the recent Maple Leafs’ trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs have strengthened their lineup by adding forward Scott Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers. Toronto got Laughton, along with a fourth-round draft pick and a sixth-round pick. The Flyers received a first-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, along with highly touted prospect Nikita Grebenkin.


This deal indicates Toronto's willingness to bring depth and flexibility to their forward corps, as Laughton is a two-way force, a leader, and a playoff veteran. The Flyers, meanwhile, are continuing to build for the future, acquiring a quality first-round draft pick and a young prospect to add to their system.

NHL insider David Pagnotta confirmed the news on Twitter, saying, "Leafs are getting Scott Laughton." Laughton, who has only scored once in his last 12 games, is unlikely to play in Toronto's top six but may get minutes on the second power-play unit. If he improves, he could reach 40 points this season.

NHL fans on Twitter quickly shared their reactions to the Toronto Maple Leafs' trade after the news reached them. "We want Brad Marchand, not Scott Laughton." One fan wrote. "Another mediocre bottom 6 player" Another fan wrote. "Still not going to make to 3rd round" a third fan wrote. "Gross. The guy is basically Max Domi but with a few more goals. Can't defend, can't forecheck." another fan wrote.


Laughton, a 30-year-old Toronto center, is an improved third-line center due to his effective blend of physicality, shutdown play, and third-line scoring, surpassing Domi's shoehorned role in the position. Laughton supports defense, while Domi is offensive-minded, allowing him to create plays freely.

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If Domi doesn't move to the second line, he would remain on the third line, playing in the left-wing position. Bobby McMann could rejoin the second line with John Tavares and William Nylander. The Maple Leafs have secured their center, but whether it leads to a deeper playoff run remains uncertain.