Before John Tortorella became the head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers (14-13-4), he knew about Scott Laughton.
He knew Laughton would be a critical asset to the rebuild. Before the Flyers established their foundation when Tortorella said the team needed to begin at the ‘footers,’ Laughton was the only skater with a leadership role. When no one else had a letter stitched on their sweater, Laughton was the alternate captain.
A vote of confidence from Tortorella meant a lot. Tortorella was not surprised that Laughton was an identifiable leader. He saw how Laughton carried himself throughout his career while he served as the head coach for the New York Rangers, the Vancouver Canucks, and the Columbus Blue Jackets. On the ice, Tortorella was surprised at the utility Laughton became.
“Even from an outsider of coaching another team and watching Scotty [Laughton] play and just how he handled himself, you know he’s going to be part of that; I knew that going in. In my process of interviewing with the team, they filled me in on a lot of players and how they handled themselves. I had a good sense of what he was. I didn’t realize the utility that I could use him, which has been good.” – John Tortorella; 12/17/2024
In the lineup, Laughton is a forward who can excel at varying responsibilities. He was an effective bottom-six center, but Tortorella prefers him at left wing.
“I prefer him [Laughton] on wing. He’s a player that does a lot of those little things on the boards. [He’s] one of our top penalty killers; I use him on faceoffs at certain times of the game. The spot he is with us right now is a good spot. He’s contributed.” – John Tortorella; 12/17/2024
Last season, Laughton received votes toward the Frank J. Selke Trophy. He predominately played the center position. Now, Laughton is predominately on the wing, as designed by Tortorella. The fourth line contributes sturdy minutes. In 31GP at his updated role, Laughton tallied 14 points (7G, 7A), including two shorthanded points (1G, 1A).
Tortorella highlighted Laughton as a utility skater. At the boards, he is engaging in battles and piling hits. Laughton (72) only trails Garnet Hathaway (101) for the team lead in hits. He and Travis Konecny still lead the way for Philadelphia on the penalty kill (80.2%). In the faceoff circle, Laughton won 46.3% of the draws.
Those faceoff numbers are not bad for a winger in particular game situations.
The struggle for Laughton is at even strength. The fourth line, including Laughton and Hathaway, centered by Ryan Poehling, is underwhelming. Turnovers kill Laughton (8TK:24GV) and Poehling (4TK:23GV). The only forwards with a worse turnover differential are Konecny, Sean Couturier, and Matvei Michkov, who play three or four more minutes a night.
Laughton, 30, is a wanted skater in the locker room. Regardless of his contract status, he is a trade target from other NHL clubs. A team with a young core needing a valuable veteran leader and penalty killer could call Daniel Brière about Laughton.
Keith Jones acknowledged the Flyers will be in the same boat as last season: selling. Laughton still has value, and Tortorella eloquently described what he is worth to a team as a leader and a skater.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login