Flyers Trade Talk: Scott Laughton reportedly ‘a target for a couple of teams’

We’re less than 31 hours away from the NHL trade deadline and action is picking up around the league. The Philadelphia Flyers kept their slim playoff hopes alive on Saturday, but they could still be sellers ahead of Monday’s deadline. One of the main pieces that they could sell is Scott Laughton.

Scott Laughton moves up Trade Bait List, Penguins could be interested

Laughton’s name has been mentioned more and more in recent weeks. It’s picked up this week especially and he was mentioned by Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet’s Saturday Headlines.

“In Philadelphia, Scott Laughton. I think he’s been a target for a couple of teams, including potentially Toronto,” Friedman said. “However, they’ve been grinding away at it this week. The word is that Laughton wants to stay and that Philadelphia wants to keep him. We’ll see if they can close this one out over the next 48 hours.”

Scott Laughton has been with the Flyers his entire career and expressed his desire to stay in Philadelphia earlier this week.

“It hasn’t really crossed my mind. If that happens, it happens,” Laughton said on Tuesday about potentially being traded. He continued on saying how much he loved the city of Philadelphia and the Flyers, which lines up with what Friedman said.

“My focus is here in Philly. I love it here in Philly. I love the staff here, I love the guys here,” Laughton continued. “I’m focused on coming to work every day and trying to get better and push the pace a little bit and get a playoff spot. That’s my focus right now and whatever happens, happens, but I love it here in Philly.”

Chuck Fletcher’s options with Scott Laughton

It’s an interesting situation for Laughton and the Flyers. He has carved out a nice role for himself. It makes sense why teams want him for a playoff push as well. He plays the game the right way, can slide up and down the lineup at both center and wing. Laughton will do what’s asked of him to help the team win.

If Laughton wants to stay with the Flyers and the organization wants the same, which appears to be the case, teams may need to overwhelm Fletcher. However, with the Flyers on the outside looking in, Fletcher may have to do what he needs to do to set this team up for the future.

That means a few different things.

Laughton could be willing to take somewhat of a hometown discount for his next contract. They should get a guy like Laughton signed on a team-friendly deal if that’s an option.

However, it all depends on the offer. Even if talks are close, an offer that Fletcher can’t refuse could come his way. At that point, hopefully, it’s a destination that Laughton is okay with. He could still be open to signing back with the Flyers this offseason.

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It’s going to be an interesting trade deadline for the Flyers and Laughton is one of the main names to watch.