NHL analyst thinks Oilers should trade for Maple Leafs forward

"As the trade deadline approaches, teams will have to decide whether to become buyers or sellers. There is no question that the Edmonton Oilers will try their best to upgrade their roster as they sit second in the Pacific division, and are coming off of back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals losses. The Oilers will remain in win-now mode as long as they have Connor McDavid. Being only one point ahead of the Seattle Kraken and Anaheim Ducks, they are expected to make a splash to take a real run at the postseason."

""For me, it's Scott Laughton. Laughton is a $1.5 million contract, so it's not a big cap hit when you look at trying to fit the player under your cap... So, you're saying, 'Okay, can we mix and match somebody that will fit as a third-line center and maybe would be better suited as a fourth-line center if and when Henrique comes back?' I think Scotty Laughton would be perfect for the Edmonton Oilers." Biron said."

"The Oilers, who are in desperate need of depth offensively, could add Laughton to provide help on both ends of the puck. Laughton has been underused to say the least this season with the Maple Leafs. The Oakville native plays on the team's fourth line and the penalty kill, which is nowhere near the value the Leafs gave up to acquire Laughton. The Leafs, over the next few weeks, will need to begin conversations with Laughton about his future with the club. The Leafs should attempt to keep Laughton, as he has been one of the Maple Leafs most consistent forwards this season."

The trade deadline forces teams to choose buyer or seller roles. Edmonton sits second in the Pacific and remains in win-now mode while Connor McDavid leads the club. The Oilers sit only one point ahead of Seattle and Anaheim and are likely to pursue upgrades to deepen their roster. Toronto trails Boston for a wild-card spot and could become sellers, with several pending free agents available. Martin Biron identified Scott Laughton as a $1.5 million, low-cap option who can play third- or fourth-line center, penalty kill, and provide two-way depth for Edmonton.

Read at Editor In Leaf