Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube stated Saturday that forward Scott Laughton has no injury concerns after he missed practice. Laughton blocked a hard shot late in Toronto's series-clinching victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday.
"He's all good," Berube told reporters after a practice session Laughton did not attend. The session was optional for some players.
Laughton, 30, recorded two assists over six games against the Senators in the first round. He blocked a shot from Ottawa's Jake Sanderson that led to William Nylander's empty net goal, securing the series win.
The team acknowledged Laughton's contribution, awarding him the game puck. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz noted the play's importance.
Berube praised the blocked shot following the game. He highlighted Laughton's sacrifice as an example of what is required to win in the playoffs.
Acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers at the trade deadline, Laughton registered two goals and two assists in 20 regular season games with the Maple Leafs. He had 11 goals and 16 assists in 60 games with the Flyers earlier in the season. Flyers GM Daniel Brière commented on Laughton's versatility, calling him a "jack of all trades" valuable for a playoff team facing adversity and injuries.
Laughton spent 12 years with Philadelphia after being drafted 20th overall in 2012. He has found a role on a line with Steven Lorentz and Calle Jarnkrok, particularly effective when matched against opponents' depth lines.
Berube addressed player availability during practice discussions, noting Laughton's precautionary absence. Reports indicated players like Morgan Rielly and Chris Tanev were also optional participants in recent skates.
The Maple Leafs are scheduled to begin their second round series against the Florida Panthers Monday night in Toronto.
"That's how you win a series right there. You may not see them on the scoresheet, but they're valuable players for us that do a lot of other things right," coach Craig Berube said.
