Scott Laughton’s transition to the Toronto Maple Leafs has been anything but seamless, but if there’s anyone who understands the challenges he’s facing, it’s John Tortorella.
The Philadelphia Flyers head coach knows firsthand the kind of player Laughton is—both on and off the ice. Since being traded to Toronto on March 7, the 30-year-old forward has struggled to find his footing, going without a point in eight games while adjusting to playing on the wing rather than his usual center position.
Tortorella’s Perspective on Laughton’s Adjustment
Speaking at Scotiabank Arena before the Flyers faced the Leafs on Tuesday, Tortorella emphasized the need for patience with Laughton.
“The way I can explain him, he’s just full of the glue of a locker room,” Tortorella said. “To have that foundation guy to understand the small things before you even get on the ice, to help kind of transport that over to our younger guys, I thought he was very important that way.”
Tortorella noted that Laughton is still trying to find his place in Toronto’s locker room, a stark contrast from his time in Philadelphia, where he was a vocal leader.
“I hope people are patient with him because it’s a huge adjustment for him,” Tortorella added. “But you’re going to find out what he’s about eventually here.”
Life Off the Ice
As fate would have it, Laughton and the Flyers are staying at the same downtown Toronto hotel, leading to a humorous exchange between player and coach.
“He’s next to me,” Tortorella joked. “I said, ‘Stay in your room, I’ll stay in mine. I don’t even want to see you.’”
For Laughton, Tuesday’s game was bound to feel strange. After being drafted 20th overall by Philadelphia in 2012 and playing 669 games with the Flyers, seeing himself in the Leafs’ pre-scout footage was a surreal moment.
“Definitely a little weird,” Laughton admitted. “But we’ll take it as it goes and get a good sleep in this afternoon and get back on track.”
Leafs Looking for a Bounce-Back
The Leafs, meanwhile, need to avoid underestimating Philadelphia, even with their 22-point advantage in the standings. Toronto has won 10 of the past 11 meetings between the teams, but coming off a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Nashville Predators, head coach Craig Berube wants a better effort.
“I think (the Leafs) are upset about (that loss), for sure,” Berube said. “It’s a learning lesson, in my opinion, that you can’t get impatient in your game and get away from your game.”
As for Laughton, he’ll be hoping to finally break through and make his mark in blue and white.