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Maple Leafs just earned an extra return from the Scott Laughton trade to Kings
TL;DR
The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured an additional return from the Scott Laughton trade to the Kings, as he was expected to be traded before the NHL's March 6 deadline. Laughton is in the final year of his contract, making the trade a strategic move for the Leafs during their rebuild.
Scott Laughton
Maple Leafs just earned an extra return from the Scott Laughton trade to Kings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Toronto Maple Leafs always seemed likely to trade Scott Laughton before the NHL's March 6 trade deadline.
It made too much sense not to. He's in the final year of his contract, so why lose him for nothing when the Leafs were set to commence a quick rebuild?
They got the deal done, sending him to the Los Angeles Kings.
At the time, the trade was reported as Laughton for a conditional third-round pick, but that condition has now come into play.
If the Kings made the playoffs, the pick would become a second-rounder.
The Kings have clinched a playoff spot, so the Leafs now got a second-round pick in return for Laughton, rather than a third.
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It's a nice little boost for a Toronto team that didn't expect to have a season this bad but will now appreciate the extra little chance to build for the future.
The Kings probably aren't too worried. Laughton, a strong locker room presence, helped them get over the line and into the postseason.
He has played 19 games since joining the Kings and has scored five goals while dishing out three assists.
Laughton is never going to be a flashy player, but he's the kind of bottom-six center who can help a team win in the postseason.
Toronto wasn't going to take advantage of that this season, but the Kings are grateful to have Laughton, while the Maple Leafs are surely appreciative of a slight shift up the draft order.
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Q&A
What additional return did the Maple Leafs receive from the Scott Laughton trade to the Kings?
The specific details of the additional return have not been disclosed, but it is confirmed that the Maple Leafs gained extra assets from the trade.
Why was Scott Laughton likely to be traded before the NHL's March 6 deadline?
Scott Laughton was likely to be traded because he is in the final year of his contract, and the Maple Leafs aimed to avoid losing him for nothing during their rebuild.
What is the significance of Scott Laughton's contract status for the Maple Leafs?
Laughton's contract status is significant as it prompted the Maple Leafs to trade him to maximize their return, rather than risk losing him without compensation after the season.
