The Toronto Maple Leafs don’t want to stop their march to the trade deadline and have added a partner for star forward Auston Matthews for the 2024-25 NHL season before time runs out to make roster moves. On this occasion, the deal includes a handshake with the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Maple Leafs have been one of the most consistent teams of the 2024-25 NHL season, staying in contention for first place in the Atlantic Division. With Matthews leading the charge despite having an injury-ravaged season, the team, led by head coach Craig Berube, is looking to bolster its roster heading into the playoffs.
Despite the team’s overall success, there was some concern in Toronto about injuries and a lack of depth at center, a key position for the franchise. This led management to make strategic moves in the trade market.
Auston Matthews’ new teammate in Toronto
Matthews’ new Leafs teammate is none other than veteran Scott Laughton, who comes to Toronto after a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers that includes a first-round pick and Nikita Grebenkin. Toronto also receives a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick.
Laughton’s performance in the 2024-25 NHL season
The veteran Laughton could be an experienced acquisition for Toronto, as he has accumulated 265 points, the product of 106 goals and 159 assists, in 661 professional NHL games. For the current season, he has 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 60 games.
Flyers acquire valuable prospect
For the Flyers, the addition of prospect Grebenkin represents an investment in the future, adding a young talent with developmental potential. The Russian forward spent his career in the KHL before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs developmental system in the AHL. With his arrival, Philadelphia will look to rejuvenate its roster and build for the long term.