Brad Treliving Reportedly Eyeing Trade For Pending UFA, per Insider
With Brad Treliving needing to make a trade before the March 7 deadline, he has a particular pending free agent in mind to bring aboard to help out the Maple Leafs.
A lot of talk has surrounded when Toronto is going to make a trade with the biggest question surrounding just who they can bring in. From superstars to underrated depth pieces, there are a king's ransom of players available for Brad Treliving to acquire, at the right price.
It's going to be both a waiting game and an urgent piece of business for the GM as he needs to make sure that he adds the proper pieces to his team, whilst not overpaying but also doing so in a timeframe suitable given the newly added time crunch this season.
So with Toronto playing Philadelphia two games in a row, he and the team are getting a look at one particular player who could fit in perfectly with their plans. According to The Fourth Period's Dave Pagnotta, the team is keenly interested in center Scott Laughton:
Philadelphia is willing to listen, and I'm sure Toronto won't be the only team that pokes Flyers GM Danny Briere between now and the deadline."
So with Laughton's name again in trade rumors, does he really fit in with the Maple Leafs?
Scott Laughton Is The Missing Piece Toronto Needs
Laughton, a first-round pick of the Flyers in 2012 is an under the radar pick who could seriously make a big impact for the Maple Leafs.
Not your flashy star that will make headlines, Laughton does all the little things right. He will kill penalties like a champ, he's a great faceoff man, will score you goals, crashes the net, throws his weight around with little regard and isn't afraid to block shots.
To Brad Treliving it must seem like he hit the jackpot with Laughton if he picked him up. Able to play both wing and center, he could be a massive addition come playoff time due to his versatility and defensive skills.
Toronto was previously in talks for the forward but those fell through, and with his $3M cap hit, it would be an absolute steal. To acquire him, the team shouldn't have to give up more than a couple of picks and perhaps a low-end prospect.
He also comes with term, something the Maple Leafs are looking for in a center, and while it's only for another year; if he can help the team down the line get further in the playoffs there's no doubt he's in line for a big payday.
It wouldn't be the biggest splash that Toronto could make when it comes to the trade deadline, however their biggest leap forward would be a Stanley Cup; something Laughton could definitely help with.
