Maple Leafs land Scott Laughton from Flyers, Brandon Carlo from Bruins in deadline deals
GM Brad Treliving filled two holes that needed to be patched up
The Maple Leafs general manager had a goal to make his team better before the National Hockey League trade deadline on Friday afternoon, and he accomplished that.
In acquiring Scott Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers and Brandon Carlo from the Boston Bruins, Treliving filled two holes that needed to be patched up as the Leafs set their full sights on making a Stanley Cup playoffs run.
In Laughton, the Leafs get a smart third-line centre, and in Carlo, the team added a no-nonsense top-four defenceman who will likely get a long look with Morgan Rielly.
“I’ve been watching Scotty Laughton since he was in Oshawa (with the Generals in the Ontario Hockey League),” Treliving said. “A character guy. I can tell you, as hard as it was for him, he has been a Flyer his whole life, he was emotional, talking about coming home playing for the Leafs. I know that was a really important chapter in his life in Philly, but he’s excited to start one here.”
Laughton, a native of Oakville, told TSN in the minutes after the trade that he was “letting it all sink in.”
“I’m excited for a chance at the playoffs,” Laughton said. “I’m very grateful for my time in Philly, to spend that much time in one organization. I’m excited for the opportunity and ready to go.
“I’ve been in the rumours quite a bit over the last couple of years, but this year felt a little bit different. It’s hard to keep your mind on the game. Have a young family and you’re worried about them, but to be able to come home and being a Leafs fan growing up, it’s really cool and really special.”
“He has been on our radar for a long time,” Treliving said. “Great stick, defends the blue paint really well. Excellent on the penalty kill. Tremendous character. He has been a big part of the success that’s gone on in Boston, and they’ve had a lot of it.”
Crucially, neither Laughton nor the right-shooting Carlo is a rental. Laughton has another year left on his contract and Carlo has two.
The Leafs also acquired forward Reese Johnson from the Minnesota Wild for future considerations. He has played in 144 NHL games with Chicago and Minnesota, though he was with Iowa of the AHL and will be headed to the Marlies.
