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It’s been three years since the Philadelphia Flyers drafted Scott Laughton 20th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and still he remains one of the team’s top prospects. Laughton remains a Flyer with only three more roster cuts to go before the season begins, and his chances are looking about as real as they ever have.
Laughton spent some time with the Flyers last season and showed flashes of brilliance. From the point he was called up until going down with an injury in January, Laughton was behind only Claude Giroux in shots on goal. During that span, the Flyers weren’t playing particularly well. But Laughton was one of the few bright spots.
Also going in Laughton’s favor is the belief that Brayden Schenn (and maybe Luke Schenn as well) could be on the way out of Philadelphia sooner than we know. It’s been reported that Schenn is on the trade block, which would help alleviate the logjam the Flyers are currently dealing with at center. It’s a long shot as Schenn could still fit in with coach Dave Hakstol‘s scheme. But where there is smoke, there must be a fire.
If Laughton wants to earn a spot with the Flyers, he needs to play like a man possessed in the final two preseason games, both against the New Jersey Devils. He hasn’t exactly set the world on fire this preseason, but I think it’s time the Flyers take off the training wheels and see what the kid can do with the big club. GM Ron Hextall preaches patience with prospects, but too much time in the minors could seriously hurt a player’s morale.
With Sean Couturier currently dealing with an injury, Laughton will be filling in at the third line center spot, giving him a golden opportunity to show that he is worth making the team. We’ll see if he makes the most of it.
Ryan Quigley is a Sports Writer for www.RantSports.com covering the NFL and the NHL. Follow him on Twitter @Quigs311 or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google.
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