Report: Senators have expressed interest in Scott Laughton

Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton has once again entered trade speculation in recent days. It’s no surprise, given new general manager Daniel Briere’s aggressive approach. The new GM has already moved on from defender Ivan Provorov before the offseason begins in earnest.

The team is looking for a more significant rebuild/retool than it has had in years past, but there are certain targets the team wouldn’t be opposed to holding onto. Laughton, 29, is one of them. He’s been one of the team’s more consistent players over the past few seasons and has taken on a significant leadership role.

All that’s to say, if Philadelphia moves him, it won’t be for a marginal package. The Fourth Period’s Anthony DiMarco reported Sunday that the Flyers have turned down late first-round picks in exchange for Laughton, who had 43 points in 78 games this season and is locked in at a $3M cap hit through 2026.

One of the teams that has called the Flyers about Laughton is the Ottawa Senators, David Pagnotta noted Sunday, adding to his colleague’s initial report. The team’s offer likely would’ve centered around its 2024 first-round selection. Ottawa has already given up its 2023 first-round pick (12th overall) to the Arizona Coyotes in a deal for Jakob Chychrun.

Laughton is a natural center, a position the Senators struggled mightily at this season in regard to depth. However, that was instigated by a shoulder injury to Joshua Norris, who missed all but eight games. With he, Tim Stützle and Shane Pinto locked into the top three center spots, Laughton would likely shift to the wing to play in the top nine.

That’s something he can do with ease, and he did so multiple times as a Flyer. His versatility is a valuable asset, especially if injuries strike the Senators again. Laughton’s been used quite a bit on the penalty kill in Philadelphia, too, though advanced metrics aren’t kind to his performance with a man down.

One has to question, however, whether it would be wise for the Senators, a team that hasn’t been able to exit its rebuild successfully despite multiple attempts, to give up two first-round selections within months of each other?

You’d likely get a pretty even split of answers to that question. The team undoubtedly has the core to advance to their first postseason since 2017, but depth issues at every position continue to plague the Senators in a tough Atlantic Division. Laughton, a high-end third-line piece, could go a long way toward solving those issues.

If the Flyers do manage to get more than just a late first in return for Laughton, it’ll be a great return on their investment. Drafted 20th overall in 2012, Laughton has given the Flyers over 500 games and nearly 200 points over a 10-season career in the organization.