Report: Maple Leafs, Scott Laughton have not begun contract negotiations

"I can tell you on Scott Laughton, they have not had any meaningful discussions or negotiations with respect to an extension. I think there's an understanding that they would like to have those discussions," Pagnotta reported. "He's already proven to be a glue guy in the room, and what's he's doing on the ice, I commend him. They need that type of player. But they haven't had those in-depth contract discussions with his camp yet. Is that gonna happen during the Olympic break? That's a good time for everybody to do it. But they haven't figured that out yet. I think regardless of how this season plays out, whether they sell or buy or stay stagnant, I think Scott Laughton is a player they need to figure out how to keep."

"Laughton is in the final season of a five-year, $15 million deal originally signed with the Philadelphia Flyers, with an annual cap hit of $3 million. He was acquired by the Maple Leafs at the trade deadline last season along with two late-round draft picks, in exchange for forward Nikita Grebenkin and Toronto's 2027 first-round pick. In 34 games with the team this year, he has eight goals and two assists, averaging 13:45 TOI per night. Through periods of struggle this season where the Leafs have been criticized for their lack of urgency, Laughton has become a fan favourite for the energy and passion he brings nightly, including scoring some thrilling short-handed goals. He's also been honest and accountable about the Leafs' difficulties, recently calling out Toronto's performance against the Golden Knights as "concerning." On top of all that, he's known for being popular among teammates, bringing a strong locker room presence."

Scott Laughton plays a high-energy, accountable role for the Maple Leafs and has become a fan favourite for his short-handed goals and nightly passion. He is in the final season of a five-year, $15 million deal with a $3 million cap hit. Toronto acquired him at last season's trade deadline for Nikita Grebenkin and a 2027 first-round pick plus late-round picks. The club has not yet held in-depth extension talks with his camp, though there is interest in having those discussions, potentially during the Olympic break. Teammates value his locker-room presence.

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