The Flyers are taking a surprisingly personal approach with Scott Laughton as trade rumors swirl around the veteran center. Despite having no formal trade protection in his contract, the team plans to give him input on his potential destination, according to The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz.
It’s a move that shows how Philadelphia’s front office is trying to change the team’s image. General manager Daniel Brière and president Keith Jones want to make the Flyers an attractive destination for players again.
Laughton’s connection to Philadelphia runs deep. He’s spent his entire 12-year NHL career with the Flyers after being drafted 20th overall in 2012, playing 657 games in orange and black – good for 14th in franchise history.
The 30-year-old center has been incredibly consistent, putting up about 40 points each season since 2019-20. He’s versatile too, able to play center or left wing, and he’s solid in the faceoff circle with a career 49.7% win rate.
But here’s where it gets interesting: The Flyers won’t let him go cheap.
TSN’s Darren Dreger reports Philadelphia is holding firm on wanting a first-round pick in return. It’s the same tough stance they’re taking with defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, though Laughton’s more reasonable $3M salary (compared to Ristolainen’s $5.1M) makes him an easier sell.
There’s a personal factor that could limit potential trades. After Laughton’s father-in-law passed away last month, he’s reportedly hesitant about moving too far west. That likely rules out teams like the Jets, Canucks, and Wild.
But a move to his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs? That might work – if they’re willing to meet the Flyers’ asking price.
The trade deadline’s getting closer, and Laughton’s future in Philadelphia hangs in the balance. But at least he’ll have some say in where he lands if the Flyers do decide to move on from their longtime center.
