The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing major criticism from the media as their top trade deadline acquisition continues to struggle on the ice.
The playoffs are a new season in the NHL, and some players can really bring their performances to a whole new level after the end of the regular calendar.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are sure hoping to see Scott Laughton, the player they acquired at the trade deadline from the Philadelphia Flyers in return for the prospect Nikita Grebenkin and a conditional first-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, find his rhythm before that happens.
In his first six games, Laughton has yet to add his name to the scoresheet and has a -3 rating.
When you pay that price for a player and he doesn't produce, it can be frustrating for an organization and its fans.
Two weeks after he joined the Leafs, the organization is already facing backlash for their decision to trade a first-round pick and a great prospect for a player ending up playing a limited fourth-line role.
That's what was brought forward in the Missin' Curfew podcast, which called out Laughton for his struggles and the team for what they paid to acquire him:
'For me, I'm putting the trade on a milk carton for right now. Like if you're going to give up a first-rounder for a fourth-liner? To me, that seems like if you're gonna bring this guy in, aren't you gonna find him more ice time than to stick him on your fourth line?'
Indeed, yesterday, in the Leafs' game against the Colorado Avalanche, Laughton's line was out-attempted 10-0, forcing Craig Berube to change his lines:
Berube provided insights on the player's struggles in a recent intervention, saying Laughton must keep things simple on the ice, be aggressive, and not overthink:
Laughton and the Leafs will be in New York to face the Rangers, another crucial game for the Blueshirts in their playoff race.
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