Scott Laughton has enjoyed living out his childhood dream with Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton feels that he has settled in with his new team, enjoying all that comes with being a part of his childhood club.

He made an appearance on Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill on Wednesday, where he discussed the adjustment period he has gone through throughout the offseason.

“It’s been great. It’s been a little different just being back home. I always go home for an extended period of time,” he said. “But, just to be able to be in the facility and get to know the guys better and the staff better, it’s been huge for me. Being away for a long time throughout the year and not being with family, it’s been awesome being a full-time dad and just taking that role.”

The adjustment from leaving the Philadelphia Flyers after being there for nearly 13 years did not go quite as Laughton would have hoped. While he had been mentally prepared for the idea of being traded as he had been involved in trade rumours for the better part of four seasons, the moment he got traded was very emotional because of how much being with the Flyers meant to him.

Laughton is not making any excuses for why his play with the Leafs dropped off after the trade and stated that he simply needed to be better this upcoming season.

“ It worked out pretty well to be able to come home,” he said. “ Definitely an adjustment period, and I’m the first to say it: I wasn’t at my best and didn’t show the best parts of my game until later on in the year and started to find it a little bit better.  Took the summer to really focus on the small details of my game.  I think sometimes when you’re in a place for a long time, you lose that a little bit. To be able to work with the staff in Toronto has really helped me.”

With time to reflect on the past campaign, Laughton expressed gratitude for getting the chance to represent his boyhood team. He spoke of the fond memories he had growing up watching the Leafs of the early 2000s with the likes of Tie Domi, Shayne Corson, and Wade Belak among others, usually competing against the Ottawa Senators in the playoffs. Getting to be part of the Battle of Ontario this past spring was something he described as a ‘special opportunity.’

While there are some lingering thoughts in the back of his head about his expiring contract, Laughton is more focused on helping the Leafs win this year. He spoke about his excitement about the additions made by the team in the offseason.

“I think we definitely got tougher to play against. Adding some size with [Dakota] Joshua, [Nicolas] Roy, and these guys who can make a difference,” he said. “ Adding [Matias Maccelli] there, he can make plays, distribute.  We got pretty much the same backend, and we have great goaltending. What you need to win in this league is really good goaltenders and we have that. It gives you a chance every night, even if you’re not at your best, they can steal you one throughout the year. It makes a difference.”

You can watch the full interview with Laughton down below: