David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs Face Lineup Decision Days Before NHL Season Opener

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 4, 2025 11:45 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward depth has taken a sudden hit. Scott Laughton, projected to anchor the club’s fourth line, will miss multiple weeks after blocking a shot in Detroit.

According to reports from The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel and Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, the injury will keep Laughton sidelined for the first few weeks of the season, and he has already been placed on injured reserve.

Laughton, 31, sustained a lower-body injury during Thursday’s preseason game against the Red Wings as he blocked a Moritz Seider shot.

The veteran forward had been building chemistry with linemates Steven Lorentz and Easton Cowan, a trio Berube praised for its two-way potential.

Craig Berube on Scott Laughton’s lower body injury: pic.twitter.com/gQqi42i1et
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 3, 2025

“It’s a tough loss for him and us,” Berube said after Friday's practice. “It's a bad break. He’s had a real good camp. Yeah, it's tough for everybody.”

The timing comes just as general manager Brad Treliving placed center David Kampf on waivers, leaving head coach Craig Berube without a clear fourth-line center replacement ahead of the season opener.

Kampf, 30, was practicing in his former fourth-line role Friday morning before being waived that afternoon. The Czech forward had lost his regular spot late last season after Toronto acquired Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers, and Kampf was scratched for most of the postseason.

Berube described Kampf as “a reliable player” who “gives you what he gives you,” but his $2.4 million cap hit made him a potential casualty in roster cuts.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton (24) celebrates a goal.David Kirouac-Imagn Images

If Kampf clears waivers, the Maple Leafs can immediately recall him instead of placing him on the AHL's Toronto Marlies, so he can fill Laughton’s spot. If another team, such as the center-needing Florida Panthers, claims him, Toronto’s depth down the middle could be exposed.

Without Kampf, the Leafs would need to consider less experienced and suboptimal options like Calle Jarnkrok or Steven Lorentz to handle fourth-line center duties.

The Maple Leafs will open their regular season on Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: