One of the Toronto Maple Leafs 2025 trade deadline acquisitions on forward depth will miss the start of the 2025-26 NHL season. It appears as though centre Scott Laughton has a lower-body injury that will keep him out on a week-to-week basis is what is being reported. As much as this is a loss for the Leafs themselves, this is also a big loss for Laughton as an individual. Even though his two-way, reliability, and defensive responsibility basically keeps him in the lineup, he wants to play as much as possible. He wants to maximize his opportunity in all situations. But also, he doesn’t want someone stepping in while he’s away, that might reduce Laughton’s potential impact upon his return. So let’s get into it.
The Leafs Have an Injury to Report for Scott Laughton
Scott Laughton listed as week to week with a lower body injury.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 3, 2025
Laughton was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers back in March, for Nikita Grebenkin, along with a few draft picks swapped. Since coming over to the Leafs, Laughton has proven to be a reliable, bottom-six guy. That is, the type of player that helps you win in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Definitely a trait general manager Brad Treliving is always searching for in abundance. In the offseason, the Leafs did their best to address those holes in the lineup. Guys like Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua, and guys fighting for NHL jobs, will all push for bottom-six spots on the team. Therefore, Laughton missing out on the early season action, might allow others to bump up in the lineup, that normally wouldn’t have done that specific thing, whether that’s killing penalties or late defensive-zone faceoffs.
However, you could always look at it the other way. If someone who steps in, like a Calle Jarnkrok for example, elevates his play, maybe it garners interest in the trade market. There have been countless rumours with guys like him, or Nicholas Robertson and David Kampf. Therefore, the Leafs would love if one of their respective stocks shot up, and they could parlay them into a top-six sniper, someway, somehow. Meanwhile, there is lots to consider, and the hope is Laughton can come back healthy, as quickly as possible. He is clearly an asset for the club, and they can’t wait for him to get back.
Checking Out Laughton’s Individual Statistics
Last year, Laughton had 80 games played with 13 goals, 18 assists, for a total of 31 points. However, in the 20 regular season contests with the Leafs, he managed two goals and two assists. That was somewhat off his pace with Philly. Although, Laughton was adjusting to his new team, and only playing just over 13 minutes a night. But, it just goes to show how highly regarded he is, that despite the lack of production, how valuable he was to the squad. His 13.7% shift starts in defensive zones from last year is a testament to that fact. Also, he does well at generated chances. His 17.9 expected goals from last year, would have had him sixth on the Leafs forward group from 2024-25.
Then, in the playoffs, he skated all 13 games for the Buds. He upped his ice time slightly, closer to 14 minutes a game. He was winning an impressive 57% of his draws. Also, he added two assists along with 41 hits. He really does all the things you need to do to win come the spring.
The 31-year-old Oakville, Ontario product is a grinder. He really is the type of guy that helps you win come playoff time. The Leafs need him back and healthy. The sooner, the better, for everyone.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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