Scott Laughton wants to stay in Toronto despite the speculation that has generated ahead of the NHL trade deadline.
Laughton, 31, will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026 when the fifth and final year of his $3 million AAV deal ends. Because of this status, his name constantly appears in rumors. Still, on Saturday, he said he wants to “keep fighting” with the Maple Leafs.
“I didn’t think I’d probably be in this situation,” Laughton said, via The Hockey News. “It’s tough to think about, but at the same time, you’ve got to come in and do a job to the best of your ability. I want to be in the fight with these guys.”
Without giving many details, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted that three Leafs players have high probabilities of leaving the team: Bobby McMann, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Laughton.
Scott Laughton addresses Maple Leafs Future amid deadline speculation
Nevertheless, for Laughton, it’s normal to be the subject of speculation, according to his own words, but he remains focused on his on-ice job.
“I’ve been in the rumors, I don’t know, as long as I can remember, so it’s always there, and you try and kind of clear your mind,” he said.
“At the end of the day, it is your life. It’s where you live. It’s where your family is, and it’s different when you have a family now. I’m just going to continue to try and play my game, help these guys the best I can, and hopefully I’m here.”
That said, the Leafs might look favorably on letting the 31-year-old veteran go. Mainly because he will be a UFA in the summer. It makes sense to try to get picks or prospects instead of losing him for free in a few months.
Additionally, Laughton has an ideal deadline player profile. Veteran, reputation as a good teammate, versatile, accountable and useful for a contending franchise’s bottom-six.