Scott Laughton can use Stanley Cup Playoffs to reset himself as a Maple Leaf

The start of Scott Laughton’s Toronto Maple Leafs career has been less than ideal, but that doesn’t mean he can’t turn things around in quick order. That’s exactly what the Stanley Cup Playoffs are for, and Laughton can use the NHL’s second season to give himself a chance to reset himself with his Maple Leafs teammates.

Since being acquired ahead of the trade deadline, Laughton has appeared in 18 games, recording just two points. And while his game isn’t one you’ll find scattered all over the scoresheet, the longtime Philadelphia Flyers forward has had trouble creating a role for himself. He’s been moved all over the bottom six, and hopefully, once the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin, he’ll be able to find his two-way game and make an impact for the Leafs on the defensive side of the puck.

Laughton’s a great defensive forward. He’s usually on the right side of the puck and in solid position to create turnovers, stop cycles, and spark some offence for his linemates. Right now, it feels like he’s continuing to press a little bit, forcing things, and while he’s certainly squeezing his stick a little bit tighter with just two points as a Maple Leaf, if he’s able to play a shut-down role for Craig Berube’s, that’s all that matters, and his disappointing start to his Maple Leafs’ tenure will all soon be forgotten.

The Oakville, ON isn’t a rental, he’s under contract for next season, but, at this point, given up a first-round pick for him has left many members of Leafs Nation questioning the decision. That said, Laughton has a chance to win back some of the fan base. He has a chance to play a key role for the Maple Leafs forward group, to become an impact, needle-moving presence GM Brad Treliving was hopeful he was acquiring when he pulled the trigger on the pre-deadline deal.

While the first 18 games have been nothing to write home about, Laughton still has plenty of time to change the narrative and rewrite his first chapter as a Maple Leaf. Not every newly acquired player gets a second chance like this, and it’s up to him to run with it.

Laughton’s at his best when he’s playing an aggressive, in-your-face style of hockey that’s keeping opponents on their toes. He’s great in the faceoff circle, which he continues to be in spot duty in Toronto. Meanwhile, if he’s able to elevate his game as a penalty killer, that’s one area of the game where Laughton can have a major impact. Shadowing top lines and getting under their skin while also holding down his depth penalty-killing role should be his main focus when the Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off later this week.

Laughton can’t get hung up on what should have been looking back at these last 20 games or so, there’s much more to worry about. Craig Berube has the Maple Leafs peaking at the right time. They’ve bought into his style of play and the structure he’s hoping leads them to the promised land, and they’ve been doing so without Laughton making a huge impact on the ice. If the Maple Leafs go on to win the Stanley Cup, they’ll need Laughton to play a key role.

Heroes are made in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and it’s been five years since Laughton has had the chance. He’ll be given a clean slate come Game 1. Now it’s up to him to do the rest.