It was an emotional weekend for Brooks Laich. On Saturday, he was placed on waivers, which may have been just a procedural move, but it’s still not pleasant to find out the team you’ve played on for 12 years is willing to risk another team claiming you. On Sunday night, the Washington Capitals traded Laich, sending their longest-tenured player from the best team in the league to the worst.
On Monday morning, Laich was in the airport. He got to Air Canada Centre at 4 p.m. and met his new teammates. On Monday night, he made his Maple Leafs debut.