Brooks Laich’s time in Toronto appears to be over

After a little over a year north of the border, Brooks Laich’s time in Toronto appears to be over.

Wednesday afternoon, Marlies’ broadcaster Todd Crocker announced that the former Capitals forward had elbow surgery and will rehab the injury in California where his fiancee Julianne Hough lives. The Athletic’s James Mirtle believes the team and player are now separated for good.

Brooks Laich has had elbow surgery and will rehab in California. #marlies

— Todd Crocker (@HockeyCrock) April 12, 2017

Laich is in the final months of a six-year, $27 million contract that he originally signed with Washington. After consistently being a 15-20 goal scorer before the deal, Laich’s career was derailed by a groin injury while playing for the Kloten Flyers during the 2012 lockout.

During the 2015-16 trade deadline, the Capitals sent Laich and Connor Carrick to the Maple Leafs for Daniel Winnik. While Carrick blossomed north of the border, Laich never found his footing, sniping with the team after being sent to the minors at the start of the 2016-17 season.

In February, Laich, who was relegated to a fourth-line center role with the Marlies, requested to be traded.

“You don’t win a Stanley Cup playing in the American League,” Laich said. “If the Leafs don’t have a plan for me with them then I would like to pursue a Stanley Cup somewhere else.”

“My focus is still in this organization and playing for the Maple Leafs,” Laich continued, declining to comment on whether he has specifically asked the Leafs for a trade. “The decision is up to them, but if they don’t see me in their plans going forward towards the playoffs then I would like the opportunity to chase a Stanley Cup with another organization.”

The Leafs responded by putting Laich on waivers. No team claimed him and his role on the team dwindled further. Laich has not played in a game since March 8th.

Over the last month, Laich has been living in California, posting constant updates on his Instagram account. In fact, it has been four weeks since a location in Toronto was geo-tagged. Laich has posted eight straight updates from California, including a video about juice cleansing and hanging out with movie star Aaron Paul.

Laich and Hough appear to be inching closer towards their unreported wedding date, as Hough recently celebrated her bachelorette party with friends.

It’s great to see a window of opportunity, but it’s better to act upon it. If you don’t, someone else will – and you’ll be watching them live the life you wanted! #getinmotion 📷 : @coryt

A post shared by Brooks Laich (@brookslaich) on Apr 11, 2017 at 2:09pm PDT

Sunday is maybe my favorite day of the week. Usually it’s a day filled with family, friends, and some kind of adventure! I try and do things on Sunday that feed my soul, so that when Monday morning rolls around I’m ready to get after the week!! This cruise through the canyon was awesome, just chill vibes all day. What do you do to feed your soul?! 📸 @coryt

A post shared by Brooks Laich (@brookslaich) on Apr 9, 2017 at 5:13pm PDT

Every day life is presenting you with new opportunities – make sure you are open to them! I was invited to take an excursion with my buddy @coryt and see what a day in his life as a freelance photographer is like – and he took the gnarly shot! Can’t wait to #collaborate and #create with you again dude – so incredible!!

A post shared by Brooks Laich (@brookslaich) on Apr 8, 2017 at 6:31am PDT

In 21 appearances for the Marlies this season, Laich tallied one goal and eight assists.

Headline photo: @brookslaich