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

Maple Leafs Reportedly Interested in Extending Scott Laughton

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Spencer Lazary | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 8:35 AM ET

According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in extending forward Scott Laughton.

Laughton, 31, is on an expiring contract with the Maple Leafs but could be in line for a new deal as early as the Olympic break next month. Pagnotta shared this information on a recent episode of the Daily Faceoff Rundown earlier this week.

Maple Leafs Interested in Laughton Extension

Pagnotta appeared as a guest on the DFO Rundown and explained that, as of now, contract talks have not officially begun. That said, the organization has strong interest in keeping Laughton beyond this season and could use the Olympic break in February as an opportunity to move discussions forward. Here is his full quote.

“ I don’t believe contract talks have started yet, but they would like to keep Scott Laughton beyond this season. This is another scenario where maybe they utilize the Olympic break period. This is another example of a team wanting to hold on to some of their guys, with Laughton being one of them in Toronto. I think the Leafs want to make that happen.”

Laughton was acquired at last season’s trade deadline from the Philadelphia Flyers. The deal sent forward Nikita Grebenkin and a first round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to Philadelphia. As part of the trade, the Flyers also agreed to retain 50 percent of Laughton’s $3 million cap hit.

As Pagnotta noted, the Maple Leafs now want to keep the Oakville, Ontario native in the organization. After a very slow start following the trade, Laughton has settled in and found his footing. He has become an important part of the locker room and is now viewed as a glue guy within the group. That makes it increasingly important for Toronto to find a way to extend him at a reasonable value.

A new contract would likely be short term, potentially in the $3-$4 million range. Another option could be a longer deal with a lower cap hit, a structure that has become more common around the league.

Regardless of how it gets done, the Maple Leafs appear motivated to make it work. Players in the locker room would welcome his return, and the fan base has come around as well. When Laughton was first traded to Toronto, the fit did not look seamless. There was pushback about his role in the lineup and the price the team paid to acquire him. Now, less than a year later, he has erased much of that doubt and established himself as a vital part of the bottom six. That only adds to the importance of Toronto finding a way to keep him around.