LAUGHTON TO THE LEAFS

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired forward Scott Laughton, a fourth-round draft pick in 2025 and a sixth-round draft pick in 2027 from the Philadelphia Flyers for winger Nikita Grebenkin and a conditional first-round draft pick in 2027.

What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
In Laughton, the Maple Leafs add a physical two-way center who can also play the wing. He will provide depth down the middle and is a clear upgrade in their bottom-six. Expect him to see plenty of ice time in a shutdown role and on the penalty kill. Toronto did have to surrender a first-round pick to get him, but Laughton comes with another year on his contract and they were able to get two later-round picks in return, too.

What does it give the Philadelphia Flyers
Laughton was a key part of the Flyers lineup, but they are moving on here with a solid return, which includes a first-round pick. Grebenkin is also an intriguing prospect. The 21-year-old Russian winger was a point producer in the KHL and has also been productive this season in the AHL. He profiles as a power forward, and he should get a look with the Flyers in the next few seasons.

Fantasy impact
Laughton's fantasy value likely takes a hit after this trade, as he sometimes saw top-six minutes and power-play usage in Philadelphia. That appears unlikely to continue in Toronto, where he should be more of a role player on the third line. Meanwhile, Grebenkin remains a prospect to watch for in the near future. He may not be a scorer right away, but he will be worth a look when he earns his next NHL call up.