Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton has once again entered trade speculation in recent days. It’s no surprise, given new general manager Daniel Brière’s aggressive approach, already moving on from defender Ivan Provorov before the offseason begins in earnest.
The team is looking for a more significant rebuild/retool than they’ve had in years past, but there are certain targets the team wouldn’t be opposed to holding onto. Laughton, 29, is one of them – he’s been one of the team’s more consistent players over the past few seasons and has taken on a significant leadership role.
All that’s to say, if Philadelphia moves him, it won’t be for a marginal package. The Fourth Period’s Anthony DiMarco reported this morning the Flyers have turned down late first-round picks in exchange for Laughton, who had 43 points in 78 games this season and is locked in at a $3MM cap hit through 2026.
One of the teams who’ve called the Flyers about Laughton is the Ottawa Senators, David Pagnotta said this morning, adding to his colleague’s initial report. The team’s offer likely would’ve centered around their 2024 first-round selection – they’ve already given up this year’s first-round pick (12th overall) to the Arizona Coyotes in a deal for Jakob Chychrun.
Laughton is a natural center, a position the Senators struggled mightily at this season in regard to depth. However, that was instigated by a shoulder injury to Joshua Norris, who missed all but eight games. With he, Tim Stützle, and Shane Pinto locked into the top three center spots long-term, Laughton would likely shift to wing to play in the top nine.
That’s something he can do with ease, and he did so multiple times as a Flyer. His versatility is a valuable asset, though, especially if injuries strike the Senators again. Laughton’s been used quite a bit on the penalty kill in Philadelphia, too, though advanced metrics aren’t kind to his performance with a man down.
One has to question, though – for a team that hasn’t been able to exit their rebuild successfully despite multiple attempts, are the Senators (and general manager Pierre Dorion) in a safe position to give up two first-round selections within months of each other?
You’d likely get a pretty even split of answers to that question. The team undoubtedly has the core to advance to their first postseason since 2017, but depth issues at every position continue to plague them in a tough Atlantic Division. Laughton, a high-end third-line piece, could go a long way toward solving those issues.
If the Flyers do manage to get more than just a late first in return for Laughton, it’ll be a great return on their investment. Drafted 20th overall in 2012, Laughton has given the Flyers over 500 games and nearly 200 points of service over a 10-season career in the organization.
Laughton and Hart for Debrincat?
lol Flyers hang up immediately. how would that help their rebuild?.
for that package it’s taking at least a high end prospect under 23 and a 1st+.
you are looking at more on the range of Jake Sanderson and a 1st. than just Debrincat.
Sanderson would be way too high of a price to pay for that duo.
The Sens should be focused on a better head coach and solid goaltending before they add another forward.
2024 first plus plus.
Laughton was the only player to wear a letter as a leader for the entire season this past year. He is probably in line to be the captain if he stays a Flyer. They aren’t trading him away for a late 2024 1st rounder. To move their leader, they are going to need a bigger package.
PLUS PLUS would be 2 more assets, no? LOL
It depends on what the “assets” are. What the Senators are willing to include may not be want the Flyers want.
Danny Boy’s right again. Laughton’s a talented player who is a leader and can be had for term on the cheap. That plays in trade talks. A late 1st is silly. Ideally a contender with someone else’s better pick in hand can send it over. That’s your bare minimum starting point.
Hopefully we can make a trade to Chicago or Detroit for their 2nd 1st Rd picks (17 & 19 OA)