Locking Up Laughton
The 25-year-old Center was the first of three key pieces GM Chuck Fletcher has made a priority to bring back from last season’s roster.
After almost a week of arbitration between Laughton and the Flyers front office, both parties agreed to a two year, $2.3 Million deal inking in the fourth line center to help the Flyers depth and penalty kill duties.
Finishing the 2018-2019 regular season with 12 goals and 20 assists to rack up 32 points total, at only 25 years old it’s still hard to determine if Laughton has reached his ceiling in the NHL just yet. Even so, his role on the PK and fourth line center have a value beyond on-ice stats and ice time.
Laughton is looked up to by players and coaching staff as being a leader on and off the ice. A prove by example style of player who exemplifies strong character and even stronger work ethic. Winning puck battles, puck possession and being the first to retrieve in-board battles. These are just a few of his contributions. The intangible elements of Laughton’s game that have earned him what some may consider a bigger paycheck and term than expected for a 4C.
What remains to be seen is who Laughton will start the season off with to his left and right-wing counterparts. These two spots could actually help propel Laughton’s point totals from last season if given some speed and “shoot first” mentality to help compliment his playmaking ability and effectiveness to drive play.
Laughton was the only Flyers RFA with arbitration rights due to being in the NHL four years straight. The agreement and contract were written in early Friday morning and leaves the Flyers with only two more signings left for Defenseman Ivan Provorov, and winger Travis Konecny.
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