Maple Leafs' Laughton Wants to Stay in Toronto Despite Trade Rumors

The veteran forward is happy in Toronto and hopes to remain with the team despite the Leafs' struggles this season.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton has made it clear that he wants to remain with the team despite trade rumors swirling ahead of the NHL's March 6 trade deadline. Laughton, who was acquired by the Leafs at last year's deadline, said he has "loved" his time in Toronto and wants to "be in the fight" with his teammates as they try to turn their season around.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs are currently in a difficult position, sitting last in the Atlantic Division and eight points out of a playoff spot. With the trade deadline approaching, the team may look to sell off assets and acquire draft capital for the future. Laughton, who will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, could be one of those trade pieces, but the veteran forward has expressed his desire to stay in Toronto.

The details

Laughton, a 31-year-old forward, was acquired by the Maple Leafs from the Philadelphia Flyers at last year's trade deadline. He has struggled this season, recording just 8 goals and 11 points in 41 games while averaging 13:42 of ice time per game. Despite the Leafs' struggles and his own underwhelming performance, Laughton has made it clear that he wants to remain in Toronto, saying "I want to be in the fight with these guys" and that he has "loved" his time with the team.

  • The NHL trade deadline is on March 6, 2026.

The players

Scott Laughton

A 31-year-old forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers at last year's trade deadline.

Mitch Marner

A star forward for the Vegas Golden Knights who previously played for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Brad Treliving

The general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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What they’re saying

“I want to be in the fight with these guys. I've loved my time here and I've loved playing with these guys, so I want to be in the fight with these guys and continue to move forward.”

— Scott Laughton, Maple Leafs forward (NHL.com)

“I haven't really changed much. I take pride in trying to be consistent in every facet of coming into the rink, being positive around the guys. It's out of our control. It's in nobody's control except the staff and we have to go out and do a job and play for each other and hold each other accountable and make it difficult on teams and make it hard for them to come back in games.”

— Scott Laughton, Maple Leafs forward (NHL.com)

What’s next

The Maple Leafs have four more games before the trade deadline on March 6. If the team cannot string together some wins in that span, Laughton may not be the only player traded as the Leafs look to retool for the future.

The takeaway

Despite the Maple Leafs' struggles this season, veteran forward Scott Laughton has made it clear that he wants to remain in Toronto, expressing his love for the team and his teammates. However, with the trade deadline looming and the Leafs potentially looking to sell, Laughton's future with the team remains uncertain.