Kings' Playoff Berth Boosts Maple Leafs' Draft Pick

Toronto receives a second-round pick in 2026 NHL draft after Kings clinch postseason spot

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:37am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape representing the action on the ice in an abstract, deconstructed style.The Kings' playoff berth adds value to the Maple Leafs' draft pick, creating a complex dynamic between the two teams' postseason aspirations.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Kings' late-season win over the Seattle Kraken has provided an unexpected benefit to the Toronto Maple Leafs. By clinching a playoff spot, the Kings triggered a condition in a previous trade with the Leafs, upgrading a third-round draft pick to a second-rounder in the 2026 NHL draft. This added value to Toronto's return in the deal that sent center Scott Laughton to Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs' own draft position remains a key storyline, as a bottom-five finish would guarantee them a chance at a top-five pick in the upcoming draft. The upgraded draft pick from the Kings' playoff berth could prove valuable, especially if the Leafs end up outside the bottom five in the standings.

The details

In March, the Leafs traded center Scott Laughton to the Kings. As part of the deal, Toronto received a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft, but that pick was contingent on the Kings making the playoffs. Laughton has settled in well with the Kings, recording eight points in 14 games since the trade. The Kings' 5-3 win over the Kraken on Monday night clinched their playoff spot, converting the third-round pick into a second-round selection for the Leafs.

  • The Laughton trade occurred in March 2026.
  • The Kings clinched a playoff berth with their win over the Kraken on April 14, 2026.

The players

Scott Laughton

A center who was traded from the Maple Leafs to the Kings in March 2026.

Los Angeles Kings

An NHL team that clinched a playoff berth, triggering an upgrade to a draft pick acquired from the Maple Leafs.

Toronto Maple Leafs

An NHL team that received a second-round draft pick in 2026 as a result of the Kings' playoff berth.

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What’s next

The Leafs' own draft position remains a key storyline, as a bottom-five finish would guarantee them a chance at a top-five pick in the upcoming draft. The Leafs' game against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday and the Kraken's remaining games against Vegas and Colorado will factor into Toronto's final draft position.

The takeaway

The Kings' late-season success has provided an unexpected boost to the Maple Leafs, who will now receive a more valuable draft pick in 2026 as a result of the trade that sent Scott Laughton to Los Angeles. This added asset could prove crucial for the Leafs, especially if they end up outside the bottom five in the standings and miss out on a top-five draft pick.