Talks Heating Up for a Major Blockbuster Trade Involving the Philadelphia Flyers and Two Canadian Teams
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly one of a few teams remaining in trade negotiations with the Philadelphia Flyers for a veteran center.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly had their eyes on centers in the trade market for some time this season.
One player they have been linked to is Seattle Kraken veteran Yanni Gourde, who already has two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Now the Leafs have apparently turned their eye to Flyers veteran center Scott Laughton.
According to Daily Faceoff reporter Anthony Di Marco, the Leafs are one of the finalists in trade negotiations with Danny Briere's Flyers, and they are currently competing with the Winnipeg Jets.
Laughton has had a fine season with 10 goals and 25 points through 53 games.
It has certainly been a bounce back year for the 30-year-old after he had just 13 goals and 39 points all of last season.
That being said, the analytics models on Laughton are mixed. They agree that this year has been better, but some models show him as a positive-value bottom-six forward while others show him in negative light.
With over 600 games of NHL experience and an ability to play in all situations, Laughton is the kind of player general managers would like to have going into the playoffs.
He is reliable enough defensively and can contribute on the scoresheet, but he won't necessarily move the needle all that much.
That being said, he also brings veteran leadership, which all teams can always use more of, even if his experience in the playoffs is rather limited.
Regardless, it should be interesting to see if Brad Treliving and the Leafs are able to finalize this trade, and if so, what will the team have to give up for him?
