‘He’s Overthinking Things Instead Of Just Playing’: Scott Laughton Remains Pointless With Maple Leafs, Craig Berube Urges Forward To ‘Loosen Up’
The Toronto Maple Leafs have begun to find their stride, securing back-to-back victories over the Calgary Flames and the Colorado Avalanche. However, one player in particular remains stuck in a slump – newly acquired Scott Laughton, who has yet to register a point in six games with the Leafs and continues to struggle to find his place in his hometown.
Despite the team's 2-1 win over Colorado on Wednesday, their second straight after a 1-4-1 stretch in the previous six games, Laughton’s performance has been underwhelming. Head coach Craig Berube weighed in on Laughton's struggles post-game, noting that the 30-year-old forward is overthinking his game.
“I think he’s trying to probably play the game without making mistakes, and he’s overthinking things instead of just playing. Go Laughts, just play. Be aggressive, do your thing. That’ll come around, I do believe that. He wants to do well, and he’s just got to loosen up and go play,” Berube said.
The Maple Leafs are expecting more from Laughton, especially after giving up a hefty package to acquire him in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers on March 7, which included promising prospect Nikita Grebenkin and a 2027 first-round pick.
'I've Been In The Rumors Quite A Bit': Maple Leafs Acquired Center Scott Laughton From FlyersScott Laughton is a Toronto Maple Leaf.
While his physicality and hard-hitting approach are seen as key assets for the Leafs, Laughton has yet to make his presence felt on the ice, failing to put up any points in his first six games with the team.
“Use your ability. You’re a good player, you played in the league for a long time, just go play. I think he’s holding back a little bit – too safe, almost,” Berube added.
“He’s from here and (he’s) got a lot going on with people and everything else. You want to please, right? He’s got to forget about pleasing and play and do your thing, you’re a good player. That’s why you’re in the National Hockey League and played for a long time.”
Before the trade, Laughton had posted 11 goals, 16 assists, and 27 points in 60 games – including a four-goal game against the Detroit Red Wings on December 12. The Leafs were hoping to add a steady presence down the middle, but so far, Laughton has not quite clicked in Toronto’s system.
Laughton was demoted to the fourth line in Monday’s game against Calgary, and that move continued into Wednesday’s contest against the Avalanche. He spent 11:13 on the ice during the win over Colorado, registering one hit.
Berube explained his reasoning for the shift, noting that he was aiming to create an "identity line" with Laughton centering Steven Lorentz and Calle Jarnkrok, focusing on a more physical, checking role – something he’s grown accustomed to throughout his 12-year NHL career.
"I wanted to create a line with Laughton, Lorentz and Jarny of just more of an identity line, a checking line," Berube said Monday following the team's morning skate.
'That's Probably A Good Line For Him': Why Craig Berube Is Moving Scott Laughton Further Down Maple Leafs' Lineup Against FlamesLaughton, who's yet to register a point with his new team, will center Toronto's fourth line against the Flames on Monday.
Despite the changes and the attempt to get the forward going, Laughton has not yet been able to turn things around, sitting with a minus-3 rating through his first six appearances. It’s still early into his tenure, and there is time for the Oakville, Ont., native to find his form and become the reliable presence they were hoping for when they made the trade.
Regardless, it was a big win for the Maple Leafs, who are now tied with the Florida Panthers for the top spot in the Atlantic Division with 85 points and 14 games remaining on the regular season schedule – resuming action on Thursday against the New York Rangers.
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