Scott Laughton is grateful for the opportunity to put on the blue and white and play for his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. And when it comes to success on the ice, he’s hopeful that having a long history with linemate Max Domi can lead to some big things on the ice.

Laughton spoke to reporters recently in Utah and opened up about his relationship with Domi, among others, and how that could play a hand in him making an impact early and often for the Maple Leafs. “The guys have been unbelievable welcoming me. I’ve known Max for a long time now, so it’s nice to be able to talk on the bench and be comfortable together.”

“I love the way he sees the ice, he’s always looking. He’s a really smart player, and he’s got some bite to him. So, it’s fun to play with, and we’ll keep building, and keep building our game together, and hopefully we stay together and have some success.”

Laughton and Domi have been linemates through two games now, and unfortunately, so far, it’s been mixed results. Laughton has been held off the scoresheet and is a minus-3 rating, averaging 12:34 of ice-time, meanwhile, Domi, who has been inconsistent all season long, has recorded one assist. Domi’s been called out by head coach Craig Berube for a lack of engagement this season, so the Leafs’ brass is hopeful that playing alongside a childhood friend could be the spark that’s needed to pull him into the fight more.

“We learned to skate together,” stated Laughton. “So, he was three, I was four, and we were doing C cuts, and everything like that, edges. He would get called up to our Marlies team when I played there, so it’s been good, and it’s nice to have that comfortability with someone.”

Laughton also is familiar with Anthony Stolarz, Philippe Myers and Craig Berube from throughout his tenure with the Flyers, and being an Oakville, ON product, has skated throughout many summers with John Tavares.

While it’s going to take some time for Laughton to get his legs under him with his new club, there’s no denying that the familiarity around the team has made this somewhat uncomfortable situation, as comfortable as possible for the newest Maple Leaf.