NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers - Source: Imagn — Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton (21) is a target for the Maple Leags. (Credit: IMAGN)

NHL Trade Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs 'aggressively' targeting $15,000,000 Flyers star over Brayden Schenn

Modified Mar 07, 2025 09:45 GMT

With less than two days left till the trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly switching targets.

NHL insider Brandon J. Sommermann tweeted on Thursday that Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton is Toronto's priority ahead of St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn.

“#LeafsForever have been one of, if not most aggressive for Scott Laughton. Last night's 5-2 loss to Vegas showed TOR what they are missing… need more heart & soul over skill, which they have plenty of. Believe their focus is on Laughton right now over Brayden Schenn #LetsGoFlyers,” Sommermann wrote.

Expand Tweet

A day earlier, Sommermann indicated that there was “more back and forth between Flyers and potential suitors rather than just listening to interest.”

In Thursday’s post, the Philadelphia-based reporter pointed to the Leafs' 5-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday as one of the main reasons they are looking to acquire Laughton, who is in the fourth year of a five-year, $15-million contract.

Laughton is a much more affordable target than Schenn, whose $52 million contract with the Blues will last until the 2027-28 season. However, reports have emerged that the Flyers will ask for Laughton’s opinion about any trades, even though his deal doesn’t have a no-trade clause.

Laughton has scored 11 goals and provided 16 assists over 57 games this season.

On Wednesday, NHL insider Darren Dreger weighed in on the Leafs’ alleged pursuit of Laughton.

“There was a deal on the table two drafts ago, I think, in Nashville, and it was almost the same price: A first-round pick. And, Toronto opted not to do it,” Dreger said via Leafs Morning Take.

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube’s relationship with Brayden Schenn is fuelling trade rumors

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube was in charge of the Stanley Cup-winning St. Louis Blues on an interim basis in the 2018-19 season, with Brayden Schenn on the roster. The close relationship between the two has led to mounting speculation about Schenn moving to Toronto.

On Feb. 27, Joshua Kloke, a writer for The Athletic, brought up the ties between the two and wrote about a potential trade deal.

“There’s undoubtedly a sense of trust between the two.”

Brayden Schenn crossed the 1000-game milestone in the NHL after which Berube congratulated him and called him “superhuman.”

About the author

Tushaar Kuthiala is an NHL journalist at Sportskeeda with over a decade of experience in the field. Tushaar was an avid ice skater in his childhood and his love of competitive sports and background in writing led him to sports journalism.

Tushaar doesn't have a favorite NHL team as such, which allows him to watch and write from a truly neutral perspective. If he had to pick, Tushaar most enjoys watching the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers.

Wayne Gretsky, Bobby Orr and Alexander Ovechkin are Tushaar's favorite players of all time. Their highlights reels, stats and accolades speak for themselves.

When not working, Tushaar writes fiction and reads books and manga.

Know More

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama