The Toronto Maple Leafs are among the top contenders to acquire Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton ahead of Friday’s trade deadline.
Laughton, who became a famous name around NHL circles a few days ago after posting a viral photo online, has generated interest across a fourth of the league, according to the latest reports.
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that "as many as eight teams" have inquired about Laughton.
“As many as eight teams swirling around the Flyers with calls on Scott Laughton,” Dreger wrote on X. “The center market is shrinking, so (Flyers general manager Daniel) Briere is in no rush.
”First-round picks are in play, but there could be room for improvement as the week unfolds.”
Meanwhile, Daily Faceoff’s Anthony Di Marco identified some of those teams, listing the New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators, and Winnipeg Jets alongside the Maple Leafs, noting that, in his eyes, Toronto is "pushing the hardest" to land Laughton.
“Can’t say for certain, but I wouldn’t be shocked if (Toronto) is pushing the hardest,” Di Marco wrote.
Laughton, 30, has 11 goals and 16 assists in 59 games this season and is known for his defensive play and penalty-killing ability, which fits the Leafs' needs for depth at the center position.
The veteran forward, who has spent his whole career with the Flyers, carries a $3 million cap hit through 2025-26, which makes him a cost-controlled option.
For now, Laughton has embraced the speculation, and his team dinner photo inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" went a bit out of hand in terms of virality, forcing him to explain the meaning behind it.
“We were joking around,” Laughton said. “I think you gotta keep it light at this time of year.”
