Flyers GM Danny Briere Details How the Scott Laughton Trade to the Leafs Unfolded

Cool and calm, he acquired a good part of his future for a veteran and understood that once the big fish were reeled in, he had to maximize his assets and sell high:

We understood that Rantanen was the first chip. We had to see what, where he would end up. All of a sudden I think a lot of teams got surprised because they didn't know what was going to happen.

Then came [Brock] Nelson. He was next, then it put things to a stop once those guys were dealt. I think it opened up, it was a seller's market now. There's not a lot of versatile forwards available so for us I think that's why it made Scott so enticing for them.

Did Toronto end up panic buying at the deadline knowing that they were running out of time? Not necessarily. Laughton was a top target for months and has been basically attached at the hip to the team; much like Brayden Schenn who stayed put surprisingly.

He adds everything Toronto needs, he's a local kid, has term, plays hard, he's got all the tools the team was looking for. Was getting rid of Grebenkin tough? Sure, he's a loveable guy and an interesting prospect, but he's not really ready yet and there's a question of what he can actually bring in an overall game.

He has professional experience which helps his case, and a rebuilding and young Flyers club will benefit his growth and playing time. But Toronto is ready to win-now, and it's the type of deal you need to hope that the potential pros weigh out on the cons.

It seems that Briere knew one way or another that he was going to deal Laughton, whether to Toronto or not. His poise as GM should be commended for not only getting the best of his assets, but also doing it in the shortest of time frames.

We won't know for a few years yet, but it seems both teams came out winners in this deal.