Massive Leafs Blunder Forming as Prospect Already Blossoming With New Team

Scott Laughton had been a target for the Toronto Maple Leafs for years, and it basically felt like a foregone conclusion that he would wind up in Toronto at some point, it just depended on when the Philadelphia Flyers were ready to cut bait and move him.

With the Flyers rebuilding, they decided to trade the former first round pick and second longest tenured player to the Leafs in exchange for a first round pick and prospect Nikita Grebenkin.

Philadelphia had held a high asking price from the beginning and they weren't budging. Eventually, Toronto decided to pull the trigger, and while they're happy with Laughton's progress today, it could be a tough pill to swallow in the coming years with how quickly Grebenkin has moved up the ranks in Philly.

Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet has given the Russian prospect all the opportunities to succeed in training camp, which has included a stay on the top line alongside Sean Couturier. He had started out with Matvei Michkov on his opposite wing before the Flyers settled on Travis Konecny up top.

Grebenkin has also been raved about by everyone in the organization as they love his tenacious attitude and overall game. That was on display last night during their contest against the New York Islanders, where he played an instrumental role as the net-front guy, screening the goaltender en route to the go-ahead goal.

The 22-year-old made his NHL debut with Toronto last year after finishing out his junior career with a Championship in the KHL.

He quickly became a fan favourite for his off-ice interviews and on-ice intensity. Unfortunately, he became a casualty to the high prices of the trade deadline.

While Laughton has been endearing himself to the Leafs' faithful all summer long, and could conceivably receive a contract extension, this could be a trade revisited in the next few years that might leave the team - and fanbase - regretting their decision to move him.