Scott Laughton Bio
Scott Laughton is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He began his career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Oshawa Generals and was drafted in the first round, 20th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2012 NHL Draft. He has represented Canada in various international tournaments including multiple World Championships.
Early Life and Background
Scott Laughton was born on May 30, 1994, in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, to parents Craig and Bonnie. His father coached him in ice hockey from the age of five to fourteen, which laid the foundation for his future career. Laughton also showcased his athletic abilities in lacrosse, captaining the Mimico Mountaineers Peanut Rep team in 2000, leading them to an undefeated season. Growing up, he was a fan of Roy Halladay of the Toronto Blue Jays, which influenced his early sports aspirations. Laughton attended Holy Family Elementary School and Holy Trinity High School, where he continued to excel in ice hockey. He captained the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midget AAA team in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), where he developed his skills and leadership qualities. In his final season with the Marlboros, he recorded an impressive 55 goals and 40 assists in 76 games, which helped him gain recognition in the hockey community.
Path to Hockey
Laughton’s success in minor hockey led to his selection as the third overall pick in the 2010 OHL Selection Draft by the Oshawa Generals. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, playing 63 games and scoring 12 goals with 11 assists. His performance earned him a spot in the 2011 OHL playoffs, where he contributed to the team’s efforts despite their eventual elimination. In his sophomore season, Laughton improved his scoring, netting 21 goals and 32 assists in 64 games, which garnered attention from NHL scouts. Following his standout performance in the OHL, Laughton was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2012 NHL Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Flyers in August 2012 but returned to the Generals for the 2012-13 season to further develop his skills. Despite facing suspensions during the season, he finished with a career-high 56 points in 49 games.
Scott Laughton Career
Early Career (2013–2014)
Laughton made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers on January 19, 2013, against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He played five games with the Flyers before being reassigned to the OHL for the playoffs, where he excelled with 13 points in seven games. The following season, he was loaned back to the Oshawa Generals, where he continued to impress and was named captain of Team Canada at the 2013 World Junior Championships. In the 2014-15 season, Laughton split his time between the NHL and the AHL, recording his first NHL goal on December 13, 2014. He played a total of 31 games in the NHL that season, showcasing his potential as a valuable player for the Flyers.
Breakthrough (2015–2020)
Laughton solidified his place on the Flyers’ roster during the 2015-16 season, playing in 71 games and contributing 21 points. His performance in the playoffs was cut short due to injury, but he returned for the following season, where he continued to develop as a reliable player. The 2019-20 season marked a turning point for Laughton, as he set a new career-high with 13 goals and earned the Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy for the team’s most improved player. His contributions during the playoffs were significant, including a memorable overtime goal against the New York Islanders, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Notable Works and Milestones
Laughton’s career has been highlighted by his consistent performance and ability to step up in crucial moments. He recorded his first career hat trick on February 7, 2021, and signed a five-year contract extension with the Flyers shortly after. His dedication to the game and contributions to the team have made him a respected player in the league.
Scott Laughton Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Scott Laughton has received recognition for his contributions to the sport, including nominations for various awards that highlight his skills and sportsmanship.
Scott Laughton Awards Won
Laughton has been honored with awards that reflect his growth and impact in the NHL, including the Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy as the most improved player for the Flyers.
Scott Laughton Family
Scott Laughton was born to Craig and Bonnie Laughton, who have supported his athletic pursuits throughout his life.
Personal Life
Laughton is known for his involvement in community initiatives, including working as an ambassador for You Can Play, an organization dedicated to eliminating homophobia in sports. He is also associated with the Alphabet Sports Collective, which aims to create a safe space for all genders and sexual orientations in sports.
