After years of trade rumors, things seemed to be different this season for Scott Laughton. The chances of being moved looked greater as the Flyers continue their rebuild. Laughton himself even admitted that this year didn't feel the same as in the past.
And Philadelphia decided that this was the year to pull the trigger, trading Laughton to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This was always a likely destination as Laughton is from the area. The Leafs were interested in Brayden Schenn before this deal, but Schenn was reportedly unwilling to waive his no-trade clause. Thus the Leafs pivot to Laughton.
The Flyers will be retaining 50% of Laughton's remaining contract, meaning they no longer have a retention spot to use on any other potential trades. They'll be sending a 2025 fourth rounder and 2027 sixth round pick as a likely sweetener for the 2027 first rounder they're getting back. The pick is top-10 protected, but it's not a likely scenario that the Leafs bottom out next season.
The #leafs send a first-round pick and Nikita Grebenkin to Philadelphia for Scott Laughton (50% retention), a fourth-round pick and sixth-round pick.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 7, 2025
There was prior belief that Fraser Minten could be involved in a deal that sent Laughton to Toronto, but the Flyers will instead acquire Nikita Grebenkin. Toronto was never going to part with one of their top prospects that easily. The Russian forward is in his first season in North America after spending his early career in the various leagues across Russia. He has mostly spent his time with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL.
Grebenkin is known as a strong playmaker and can win board battles with his size. He can get his shot off quickly when he uses it, but has been unable to put it all together scoring wise, posting nine goals in 39 games with the Marlies. He went pointless in seven games with the Leafs. He also has some room to grow on the defensive side of the puck.
Grebenkin is only 21 years old so there is plenty of room to grow. He has the potential to be a solid addition to the Flyers bottom-six if he pans out over the next year or two. The Flyers should get him some big minutes down with the Phantoms to give them a good idea of where he is at. And it doesn't hurt that he has a connection with Matvei Michkov as well.
He signed his entry-level contract with the Leafs in April, so he has two years remaining to impress the Flyers.