After a quiet deadline, Brad Treliving has finally made his moves in the eleventh hour. After dealing Bobby McMann to the Seattle Kraken, Treliving moved Scott Laughton to the Los Angeles Kings.
In return, the Leafs receive a conditional 2026 third-round pick, which could become a second-round pick if the Kings make the playoffs. Perhaps a bit of a puzzling move for the Kings, especially after trading Corey Perry to the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier in the day. But nevertheless, he is no longer a Maple Leaf.
Trade Grade: F
Overall, Scott Laughton had to be moved. He is in the last year of his contract, and given that the Leafs are trending towards the basement this season, Treliving needed to recoup assets. However, this is a very disappointing return.
The Leafs paid a King’s ransom for Laughton—a first-round pick and Nikita Grebenkin. Yet, Treliving could only get a third-round pick a year later. Yes, part of the price was for the retention of Laughton. But no doubt, how he was utilized hurt his value.
Craig Berube refused to even try Laughton higher in the lineup when things clearly weren’t working. Laughton was stapled to the fourth line this season. As a result, Laughton only scored eight goals and four assists for 12 points in 43 games. It just shocking how little Treliving got for Laughton.
What’s next?
The Leafs are likely done for the day, which overall is disappointing. The return from the McMann trade is palatable. However, the Laughton deal is not. Oliver Ekman-Larsson was also thought to be moved, given that the Leafs sat him out. However, he remains a Maple Leaf.
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