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Scott Laughton, Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Laughton, Minten & Rielly

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Mar 22, 2025 12:10 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs (42-24-3, 87 points) enter tonight’s game on a roll. They’ll be looking to push their three-game win streak to four when they take on the surprising (and not in a good way) Nashville Predators (25-35-8, 58 points) later tonight. The Maple Leafs are on a bit of a heater after grabbing a hard-fought 4-3 road win over the New York Rangers. At the other end of the ice, the Predators are struggling. They are currently on a four-game losing streak and seem unable to score.

Looking back two games, the Maple Leafs started their roll with a home win against the Calgary Flames. They followed it up with another tight win against the Colorado Avalanche before they went to New York to beat the Rangers. Their recent success has lifted them to a tie on top of the Atlantic Division standings with the Florida Panthers. Now the question is: Can they build on that momentum as they push toward the postseason?

Item One: So Far, Not So Good With Scott Laughton and the Maple Leafs

Once again, the Maple Leafs hit the trade deadline with several goals. One was to find a reliable third-line centre. While Scott Laughton remains in Toronto next season, he hasn’t been the answer this season. The third line of Max Domi, Nicholas Robertson, and Bobby McMann are playing well when they are together, but MaMann also has a value higher up the lineup.

The team’s lack of a reliable third-line center has plagued it for several seasons. General manager Brad Treliving hoped to solve this at the NHL Trade Deadline by acquiring Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers. In exchange, the Maple Leafs gave up a top prospect, Nikita Grebenkin, and a first-round pick, making this a significant move for the team’s future. So far, not so good.

After seven games with the Maple Leafs, Laughton has yet to put up a point. As always, Maple Leafs fans could become impatient, save for the fact the team is winning. Can you imagine what would be the case if the team were free-falling down the Atlantic Division standings? After missing out on Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues, the Maple Leafs had hoped Laughton could fill the 3C role and provide the stability the team has lacked. Unfortunately, Laughton finds himself on the fourth line, struggling to find chemistry with his teammates and make an impact in his hometown.

Item Two: The One That Got Away: Fraser Minten’s Departure

As a Maple Leafs fan, it’s always tough to see promising prospects leave the organization. For sure, that was the case with Fraser Minten. One of the most intelligent young players in the organization, the Maple Leafs traded Minten to the Boston Bruins. He has a better chance to make an impact there than with the Maple Leafs. Minten showed potential as a third-line centre behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares. He’s gone.

While it’s always hard to part with a good prospect, I understand the decision. Since the trade, Minten has found success with the American Hockey League (AHL) Providence Bruins. He’s put up four points in his first three games in the AHL. As an old guy, it’s no longer difficult to watch a young player like Minten thrive elsewhere, and I hope he has a great career in New England. At the same time, I hope Laughton can turn things around and become a key part of the Maple Leafs moving forward.

Item Three: What’s Happening With Morgan Rielly?

Another concern for the Maple Leafs has been defenseman Morgan Rielly’s recent struggles. Rielly seems to be struggling to make basic plays, such as failing to clear the puck and mishandling it in his own zone. Such mistakes lead to worries about whether he can return to the high level of play fans have come to expect.

Once known for his dynamic offensive abilities and elite skating, Rielly has seen his effectiveness decline this season. He’s been up and down, and currently, he’s down. Last week, it was hard not to make comparisons between Rielly and young blueliner Cale Makar. What’s with Rielly this season? Where did his ability to move the puck and create scoring chances go?

With the changing of the (rear) guard to defensemen like Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev, will Rielly’s ice time be reduced? Can Rielly again find his rhythm as the Maple Leafs move into the playoffs? He’s been one of the team’s best players during the postseason. Fans must hope he can adjust the defensive pairings that will help the team’s postseason run. He’s an interesting dilemma for the team.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

Looking ahead, the Maple Leafs have a strong track record against the Predators, winning six of the last eight meetings. With the team currently tied for first place in the Atlantic Division, they are in a favorable position to continue their momentum and extend their win streak. They want to keep it.

On the other hand, the Predators are in a tough spot. They struggle to find consistency and have little to play for in the standings. The Maple Leafs should be favored to come out on top in this game. At the same time, this is one of those games that could surprise. Staying on top of their game will be crucial as the Maple Leafs head into the final stretch of the regular season and work to grab the best positioning for the playoffs.