Craig Berube says both Scott Laughton, Brandon Carlo expected to play Saturday vs. Avalanche

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has confirmed that NHL Trade Deadline additions Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo are both expected to make their debuts for the team against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.

The Leafs had a more active deadline day than anything most people saw coming. First, it was the acquisition of Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton. The Maple Leafs had been connected to Laughton since the beginning of the annual pre-deadline rumour mill, and although it cost them a first-round pick and Nikita Grebenkin, they got their money’s worth. Philadelphia retained 50 percent of his salary and it also took back a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick, which is gravy on top of their third-line investment.

Then came the unexpected buzzer beater acquisition of Boston Bruins defenceman Brandon Carlo. It was speculated that getting a defenceman was second on general manager Brad Treliving’s priority list, but to bring in a legitimate top-four right-handed defenceman who will only count for $3.5 million against the cap for the next two-and-a-half seasons was a shocker no one predicted. Treliving isn’t known for having super active trade deadlines, but the acquisitions sent a message of belief to their current group.

While it’s unknown where the two players will slot into the lineup at the time of filing, it’s safe to say that Laughton will be given a look up the middle on the third line, while Carlo could see himself on Morgan Rielly’s right side. With Conor Timmins now out of the picture after getting shipped to the Pittsburgh Penguins along with Connor Dewar in exchange for a late-round pick, the Leafs will have Carlo slide in with one of Simon Benoit or Philippe Myers as your No. 6, likely the latter considering he shoots right.

Laughton has 11 goals and 27 points in 60 games and will bring an in-your-face style of play along with some excellent penalty-killing abilities and sneaky goal-scoring ability. Carlo won’t bring much to the table offensively, still yet to hit double digits in points this season, but he has a booming slapshot and intimidating size, which should help the Leafs in the department of clearing their own crease.

The Maple Leafs will look to get back on track with their new additions on Saturday night, coming off of two straight losses to the San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights.