The Scott Laughton trade became official as the Toronto Maple Leafs sent the veteran forward to the Los Angeles Kings. The deal was announced ahead of the 2025-26 NHL Trade Deadline. The return is a conditional 2026 third-round draft pick, that switches to a second rounder (unsure of year at this time) if L.A. makes the playoffs. Playoffs?
Leafs traded Scott Laughton.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 6, 2026
Laughton, 31, entered deadline week ranked No. 17 on The Athletic’s NHL trade board, highlighting steady league interest in the versatile forward. The left-shot centre carries a $3 million cap hit and is playing the final season of his current contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026. He is known as a Stanley Cup Playoff performer, type of player.
What Scott Laughton Brings to the Kings
Laughton provides lineup flexibility that many contenders seek at the deadline. He can play both centre and wing and is comfortable filling a range of middle-six or depth roles depending on team needs. Coaches regularly trust him in defensive situations, particularly on the penalty kill and in defensive zone faceoff assignments.
This season, Laughton has recorded eight goals and four assists in 43 games. While his offensive output is modest, his value often comes through defensive awareness, work rate, and forechecking pressure. Analytical models rate his even-strength defensive impact well above average among forwards, reflecting his ability to disrupt plays and support structure in the defensive zone.
The Kings acquired Toronto’s Scott Laughton for a third round pick – that becomes a second if LA makes the playoffs, per source.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) March 6, 2026
In addition to on-ice versatility, Laughton brings a strong reputation as a leadership presence. Teams looking for experienced depth often value players who can contribute both in the room and in key defensive minutes.
Toronto goal!Scored by Scott Laughton with 09:56 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Matthew Knies.Toronto: 2Vegas: 4#VGKvsTOR #LeafsForever #VegasBorn
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-01-24T01:32:14.911333Z
What the Trade Means for Toronto
For Toronto, the Scott Laughton trade represents an opportunity to convert a pending unrestricted free agent into future assets. By moving Laughton before the deadline, the organization gains assets, adding resources that can be used to strengthen the roster in future seasons. In this case the third (or second) round draft selection.
With Laughton’s contract set to expire in 2026 and the team balancing roster priorities, this move allows Toronto to shift focus toward long-term planning while giving a contender a reliable depth forward for the stretch run.
Scott Laughton, acquired by LA, is a fourth line shut-down centre with a physical edge. #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/NmHQ7a1pi3
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 6, 2026
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
