Maple Leafs GM Reportedly Revisits Failed Trade Deal

The Maple Leafs might be on the verge of making their biggest move of the season – and it could be exactly what they need.

A potential blockbuster deal involving Scott Laughton and Rasmus Ristolainen from the Philadelphia Flyers would address multiple issues for Toronto in one swing.

Laughton, a 30-year-old Toronto native, would be coming home. He’s put up solid numbers this season with 11 goals and 15 assists in 54 games, but it’s his all-around game that makes him so valuable.

He’s exactly what the Leafs need down the middle – a gritty, two-way center who can kill penalties and add some much-needed toughness to their third line.

But that’s just half the story.

Ristolainen could be the defensive piece Toronto’s been missing. The former eighth overall pick has never played in the playoffs, and you can bet he’s hungry for that chance.

This season, he’s logged 2 goals and 13 assists in 54 games. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story – he’s become a much better defender under John Tortorella’s system, and he’s always good for a ton of hits and blocked shots.

Pairing him with Morgan Rielly could be a game-changer. While Rielly jumps into the offensive zone, Ristolainen would provide the defensive security blanket the team desperately needs.

There’s just one catch – the money.

Laughton’s $3 million salary isn’t a problem, but Ristolainen’s $5.1 million cap hit through 2026 means the Flyers would need to retain some salary to make this work.

Sure, it’ll probably cost the Leafs some draft picks and prospects. But if you’re trying to win your first Stanley Cup since 1967, isn’t that worth it?

The pieces are there. The need is obvious. Now it’s just a matter of getting it done.