Scott Laughton had chills in his Toronto Maple Leafs’ home debut. Now he’s preparing himself for his first Battle of Ontario, a rivalry he’s watched since he was a kid.

The Oakville, Ontario native grew up as a Leafs fan and playing in front of his family and friends was special, a feeling that’s never going to get old wearing the blue and white.

“When you go out on the ice, you get the chills. It was really cool, really cool to be on the other side of it. My brother and Dad were at the game, couple of cousins, and about 10 of my buddies,” Laughton said Saturday after the pre-game skate.

Laughton had his best game as a Leaf against the Florida Panthers, and was praised after by head coach Craig Berube for his physical play, which will certainly be an aspect of his game the Leafs will rely on playing against the pesky Senators. Laughton knows all about the Battle of Ontario growing up in the area, and can’t wait to join in on the rivalry.

“Yeah, those are the games I remember coming to as a kid, and remember playoffs and how intense it was. So, yeah, try to get in it right away, and be physical, and provide some value for our team.”

Laughton will be have a new linemate on Saturday night, as William Nylander has been moved down to the third line, and the duo will be joined by Calle Jarnkrok. It certainly gives the Maple Leafs a new look to their top-nine, as this trio has a little bit of everything to their games. Laughton has been held off the scoresheet through three games with Toronto, but having the skillset of Nylander to work off of, and the work ethic of Jarnkrok, the new line will certainly get some looks against Ottawa.

Laughton has averaged just under 13 minutes of ice-time so far as a Maple Leaf, and is still trying to carve his role out on his new club, which could take him a couple more weeks to solidify. He’s enjoying the moment, soaking it all in, and his recent home debut was a special moment for him and his family, and one Laughton will not soon forget.

“Having my family being able to watch me. I’m excited for my wife to come down this week, and have her be at a game with our son. But yeah, it was a cool feeling, a cool feeling going out on this ice.” The Maple Leafs come into Saturday night’s contest after a rare day off, one in which Laughton used to catch up on some sleep, and walk around the city enjoying the fresh air.

While he’s been used in his career mostly down the middle of the ice, Laughton saw some time on the wing briefly against the Panthers earlier in the week, and isn’t afraid of making in-game adjustments to help the Leafs’ win. “Yeah, it was good, I moved to the wing, and thought I made some good plays coming out of the zone.”

“Wherever they need me throughout the night, I’ll try to plug myself in, do the best I can, and bring that physical brand of hockey.”