The Philadelphia Flyers are now 5-points out of a playoff spot. Which could lead them to being sellers at the deadline. If they are sellers, could the Flyers sell high on Scott Laughton?
“There are a lot of teams out there, if you told them that Scott Laughton was available for a playoff run, they’re throwing themselves at a guy like him,” Sportsnet Elliott Friedman said.
Laughton, who is in his 8th season in Philadelphia, is an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. Something that is always very attractive to playoff teams.
This season, Laughton has played in many roles. Ranging from 2nd line winger to depth line center. Which, in 35-games, has accounted for 7-goals & 10-assists with a team leading +8.
At a very affordable $2.3M cap hit, Laughton could easily fit on any playoff team. Whether that be the Flyers retaining part of his cap hit or taking on an expiring contract to increase the return.
The Flyers don’t want to lose Scott Laughton. Nor does Laughton want to leave.
“If it happens, it happens,” Laughton said when asked about being linked to trade rumors. “My focus is here in Philly. I love it here; love the staff here.”
If it wasn’t for the expansion draft this offseason, the Flyers more than likely would have re-signed Laughton already. Which could be another reason to trade him.
With Flyers & Laughton not expected to re-engage in contract talks til the offseason, a trade could work for both sides. Laughton would get to go to a playoff team & the Flyers would get much needed assets.
But, it possibly won’t be the end of Laughton’s time in Philadelphia if traded. With his love for the city & the staff, the Flyers could re-sign Laughton in the summer if traded.
Are The Flyers Sellers?
On Saturday, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher said he was giving his team the next four days to decide their direction.
“We’ve put ourselves in a position where we’re chasing to get back into the playoffs,” General Manager Chuck Fletcher said. “We have time to get back in, but at risk of understatement, this week is a massive week for us, in particular the next four days.”
During those four days (3-games), the Flyers went 1-1-1. Which has left the Flyers in the same position they were when Fletcher said that statement. Which could mean its time to sell.
PHOTO CREDIT : Len Redkoles – Getty Images
