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Report: Maple Leafs are keen on extending pending UFA Scott Laughton
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Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Michael Mazzei
Jan 15, 2026, 08:00 ESTUpdated: Jan 14, 2026, 21:21 EST
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The Toronto Maple Leafs would reportedly like to sign forward Scott Laughton to a contract extension, according to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta.
“ I don’t believe contract talks have started yet, but they would like to keep Scott Laughton beyond this season,” Pagnotta said during an appearance on DFO Rundown on Wednesday. “ This is another scenario where maybe they utilize the Olympic break period. But this is another scenario of a team wanting to hold on to some of their guys, Laughton being one of them in Toronto. I think the Leafs wanna make that happen.”
The Leafs originally acquired Laughton at the 2025 Trade Deadline from the Philadelphia Flyers along with a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for forward Nikita Grebenkin and a first-round pick in 2027. The first round pick the Leafs dealt was top-10 protected, while the Flyers agreed to retain 50% of Laughton’s cap hit for the remaining two seasons of the deal.
His Leafs tenure got off to a rocky start as he struggled to adjust to life in Toronto after spending nearly 13 years in Philadelphia, scoring only four points in 20 games after the trade while chipping in two assists in 13 playoff games. Combine that with Laughton being primarily used on the fourth line wing, and it resulted in a large contingent of fans declaring the trade to be a critical error.
Fast forward to now, and the narrative surrounding Laughton has done a 180 as he has proven to be an invaluable member of the team both on and off the ice. After struggling through two injuries that derailed the start of his season, he has emerged as the team’s go-to shutdown forward and a major reason why their penalty kill is currently third in the NHL. He is fresh off a two-game stretch where he had won 36 of his last 40 faceoffs, including a dominant showing in his first game back in Philadelphia, where he won 19 of 20 faceoffs on the night and added a shorthanded tally for good measure.
“It’s a great weapon. We’re a good faceoff team, but he’s been on a roll,” head coach Craig Berube said of Laughton. “Especially on the penalty kill, he starts on his off-side a lot, but he wins them a lot, which is huge. Gets the puck down the ice, kills momentum on the power play a little bit, so he’s been very effective.”
Laughton has recorded seven points (five goals and two assists) in 28 games played, along with 50 hits, 22 blocks, and a 59.9 faceoff win percentage.

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