Maple Leafs reportedly place former Capital Brooks Laich on waivers

A person with direct knowledge of the move tells The Associated Press that the Toronto Maple Leafs placed Brooks Laich on waivers, two days after the veteran center questioned where he fit in the team’s plans.

The person informed The AP of the move on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity because the Maple Leafs haven’t announced it.

The Maple Leafs acquired the 33-year-old in a trade with Washington a year ago in a bid to have the 13-season veteran play a leadership role on a young, rebuilding team. Laich, however, has spent this season in the minors since being demoted in October. The three-time 20-goal-scorer missed two months because of an undisclosed injury and has a goal and five…