Flyers Asking Price for Scott Laughton in Trade Remains High

Scott Laughton is a hot commodity going into this season’s NHL trade deadline. The forward from the Philadelphia Flyers has been garnering some attention already, and the offers are likely to increase as the deadline nears. Understandably, the Flyers aren’t keen to move the player, but if the price is right, it might be hard to say no.

According to Nick Kypreos, the ask from GM Daniel Briere is up there. The NHL insider writes:

“The Flyers’ asking price in a trade remains high, and a first-round pick-plus is the starting point. That’s because the organization highly values Laughton and he’s well-liked in the room by the players and coaching staff.”

Laughton is not a rental, which makes him even more valuable, considering his relatively reasonable cap hit. He’s locked in with some cost certainty as the cap is increasing, and any team looking to acquire him is well aware that they will get this season and next at a cap hit of $3 million.

Kypreos adds, “…there just isn’t a pressing need to flip him yet, but it’s always possible.”

Laughton, a 30-year-old center, is a gritty forward who contributes offensively and plays a solid defensive game. He’s got nine goals and 23 points in 45 games this season, averaging 14:26 per game, and plays the most penalty kill minutes of any forward on the team. Finally, he’s second on the Flyers in hits, neve afraid to mix it up.

Count the Maple Leafs Among Those Interested

Kypreos didn’t get into the specifics of who might be talking to the Flyers or if specific teams are kicking tires. It is believed the Toronto Maple Leafs are among them.

They won’t be the only team, as his contract is too friendly for teams not be interested. It’s for that same reason that the Flyers expect the world in a trade offer for a player who is not necessarily a top-six forward.