Craig Berube addresses possibility of Scott Laughton returning to Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube and Steven Lorentz addressed a possible return of Scott Laughton to the Canadian franchise after losing 7-6 to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.

Berube said it is a plausible possibility, given Laughton's, 31, ties to Toronto. 

"I could see it, for sure. He really liked it in Toronto," Berube said, via Sportsnet. "And he's from around there, too. So I think that was a bit of a dream for him to go back home and play. Yeah, I could see him going back there, for sure."

Berube even mentioned what the Maple Leafs miss about Laughton, highlighting his personality.

"He's got such a great personality and love for the game," he said. "And he shows up every day with the same attitude. People get attracted to him."

Maple Leafs would welcome Scott Laughton back 'with open arms,' Steven Lorentz says

For his part, Lorentz, 29, held nothing back and said they would welcome the veteran back with open arms should he decide to return to Toronto.

"That'd be awesome. We would welcome him back with open arms. I know there are a lot of guys in this locker room who feel the same way," Lorentz said. "You win with guys like Scott. He's a glue guy. He plays the game the right way. He plays hard. And he's definitely got the skill, offensively and defensively, to be out there in all situations."

"So, yeah, a lot of Laughton fans over here still. It's sad we had to get rid of him. But he's a free agent, so we'll see what happens."

On March 6, Laughton was traded to the Kings by the Maple Leafs in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

He is currently in the fifth and final year of a $15 million deal with an average annual value of $3 million. At the end of the season, he will become an unrestricted free agent and will be able to sign with another NHL team at the age of 32.