Leafs ship McMann to Kraken, Laughton to Kings in deadline deals
The Toronto Maple Leafs dealt a pair of gamers forward of Friday’s deadline, delivery ahead Bobby McMann to seattle for a second-round choose in 2027 and a fourth-round choose in 2026, and ahead Scott Laughton to Los Angeles for a 2026 third-round choose that may change into a second-round choice if the Kings make the playoffs this season, sources inform ESPN’s Emily Kaplan.
McMann and Laughton are each pending unrestricted free brokers. Toronto had been in talks with McMann a couple of potential contract extension, however with no deal in place by Friday, the Leafs had been comfy making an attempt to get one thing in return for him. Toronto gave up a 2027 first-round choose and a prospect to purchase Laughton on the 2025 commerce deadline.
McMann, 29, has 19 targets and 32 factors in 60 video games this season whereas averaging a career-high 15:19 TOI per recreation. McMann has been a key a part of the Leafs’ top-six forwards group for the final two seasons, usually skating alongside middle Auston Matthewsand appeared primed to be a part of their future.
Toronto’s downward spiral over the previous few months — they’re seventh total in the Atlantic Division — has raised questions concerning the crew’s path and made gamers like McMann expendable in alternate for property.
For Seattle, McMann is an infusion of wanted depth. The Kraken are twenty fourth in scoring this season — averaging 2.82 targets per recreation — whereas clinging to the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. McMann’s versatility to play all through the lineup and on particular groups will enhance Seattle’s prospects of making the most of a weak Pacific Division as it really works to transfer up in the standings.
Laughton goes out west as nicely for the primary time in his profession. The veteran, 31, has eight targets and 12 factors in 43 video games this season. He had been relegated to a bottom-six position underneath coach Craig Berube however supplied a steady shutdown presence and physicality to the lineup. Los Angeles — having traded Corey Perry to Tampa Bay earlier Friday — may have a few of that snarl again in the combo with Laughton as he battles for a wild-card berth.
Toronto started its off-loading Thursday, when it despatched Nicolas Roy to Colorado for a pair of draft picks, together with a first-rounder.
The NHL’s commerce deadline formally expired at 3 pm ET Friday.
