Trade deadline season provides some abrupt farewells and Philadelphia Flyers general manager Danny Briere raved about Scott Laughton’s character after he was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday at the NHL Trade Deadline.

Laughton was acquired by the Maple Leafs, along with a 2025 fourth-round pick and 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick and Nikita Grebenkin. The 30-year-old centre fits an immediate need for the Maple Leafs, he’s under contract through the 2025-26 season and it will be a homecoming for a player who was a minor hockey star for the Toronto Marlboros of the Greater Toronto Hockey League, who then graduated to the OHL’s Oshawa Generals.

“This trade is as tough as they come for me personally and professionally. Scott was an integral part of our team for a long time and it was a great pleasure to see him grow into the teammate and leader that he is,” Briere said of Laughton, via NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman.

“Scott not only brought back the standard of what it means to be a Philadelphia Flyer, he led the way and set a precedent for our organization moving forward. On the ice, he was as formidable and competitive as they come. Off the ice, I don’t think I have seen anyone who was as kind, generous and welcoming to the hockey and Philadelphia community.”

Laughton spent his entire professional career with the Flyers, after being selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. He has played for Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube before, when Berube coached the Flyers during the 2014-15 season.

“I had Scotty as a young kid for a bit,” Berube said of Laughton during his media availability Friday. “We are getting a great teammate, for one. He is a really good person. Two, he is a guy who is versatile. He can play center, penalty kill, and some power play. He touches all aspects of the game. He plays a physical brand of hockey and is a hard-nosed player, but he has ability.”

It appears to be a perfect fit already, as Laughton spoke candidly with TSN about what it means to be playing for the Maple Leafs.

“It’s pretty surreal. I think I found out 10 minutes ago, so just kind of letting it all sink and kind of figuring out my way here,” Laughton said. “But, I’m excited for a chance at the playoffs. It’s been a while here in Philly but I’m extremely grateful to the Flyers and I’m excited for the opportunity.”

Laughton is one of the NHL’s greatest ambassadors when it comes to fighting homophobia, working with the You Can Play Project. He’s returning to his hometown where he fits a role for the Maple Leafs perfectly, he’s universally well-liked across the league, and you can see why Briere may have been reticent to trade the 30-year-old during the deadline.