Banking on his ability as a defensive forward, McLaughlin was named team captain entering his junior year.

While the pandemic delayed the entire college hockey circuit, McLaughlin took charge when he finally hit the ice.

As a senior, McLaughlin continued to lead offensively; however, Boston College had another subpar season and slipped down the Hockey East standings.

[4] After the conclusion of his senior year, McLaughlin signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins on March 15, 2022.

[5] He made his NHL debut for the Bruins on March 31, 2022, scoring his first career goal in an 8–1 victory over the New Jersey Devils.