Report: 2 Maple Leafs linked to trade for Flyers' Scott Laughton
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the trade market for a middle-six center, and have been linked through multiple avenues to Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers. While the return is expected to be significant for Laughton, as he's in high demand across contending teams, Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff states the Leafs would likely have to give up David Kampf, Fraser Minten, and a 2026 first-round pick.
Per Di Marco's report:If the return is sufficient enough, perhaps the Flyers would take back a player like David Kampf and the remaining two years on his contract at a $2.4 million cap hit. As for the actual return, Fraser Minten’s name has been tied to the Flyers; given the team’s lack of center depth, Minten would check a much-needed box in the pipeline. Overall, a first-round selection (or prospect/player equivalent) is what the Flyers will want as a starting point – not the end all – in a package for Laughton. The Leafs do not have a first-round pick in 2025, but the Flyers are open to the pick being in 2026, too.
Laughton is from Oakville, ON, less than an hour to Toronto, and he's close with John Tavares and several other Maple Leafs. The 30-year-old center has posted 11 goals and 26 points in 54 games this season, and is considered by many to be a defensive specialist who can shut-down opposing team's best players.
While the Leafs are in the market for another center, some feel Laughton isn't the one, as he doesn't push Tavares into the three hole, and is only suited for a third-line shut-down role. Toronto has also been linked to Dylan Cozens of the Sabres and Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues.
Laughton is signed for next season at $3 million AAV, meanwhile Kampf is owed $2.4 million AAV for two more seasons, and Minten is still on his entry-level deal, having a decent season with the AHL's Toronto Marlies.
Leafs fans - Kampf, Minten and a 2026 1st rounder too much for Laughton?
Photo credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
