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Maple Leafs' Scott Laughton Caught Off Guard Shortly After Deadline Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Mar 8, 2025 6:00 AM ET

Scott Laughton had another priceless reaction after learning he was being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Minutes after the deal was made public, the longtime Philadelphia Flyer was asked on TSN’s TradeCentre (h/t The Hockey News' David Alter) if he had already spoken with Leafs general manager Brad Treliving.

“Uh no,” Laughton said. “I haven’t even called my mom. I got to call my wife and head home here [Philadelphia] and figure it out from there.

"But, yeah, you guys got me first.”

The trade will allow Laughton to head to Toronto in exchange for 21-year-old forward Nikita Grebenkin and a first-round pick in 2027, bringing the Oakville native back to his home province.

LAUGHTON'S A LEAF! pic.twitter.com/Yn473WgLmH
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 7, 2025

Laughton had been the subject of trade speculation for weeks, even posting a viral Last Supper-themed photo with teammates as rumors swirled.

Now, he officially leaves Philadelphia after spending his entire 661-game career with the Flyers.

“Yeah, I’ve been in the rumors quite a bit over the last couple of years, but this year felt a little bit different,” Laughton admitted. “And yeah, it’s hard to keep your mind on the games.

"You have a young family and [are] worried about them. But to be able to come home and being a Leafs fan growing up, it’s really cool and really special."

Laughton, 30, adds much-needed depth to the Leafs’ center position behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares.

The veteran forward joins the Leafs having posted 27 points this season in Philadelphia, including scoring 11 goals and assisting 16 more in 60 games for the Flyers.

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

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