Flyers Rumors: Veteran Center "Very Popular" In Trade Talks


The Philadelphia Flyers are in rebuild mode. After their big trade this past week, teams around the league have continued to burn up the Philly phone lines. And according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, one name that's been very popular in those calls is veteran center Scott Laughton.

He's signed for three more years at $3M a season, he's a really good player, and teams are always looking for centers.

But the Flyers won't be giving up their 10-year veteran so easily. Anthony Di Marco of The Fourth Period confirmed that the interest is there, but they've already turned down some offers.   

The Flyers have said no to late first-round picks, indicating that the price will indeed be high for Laughton. Friedman echoed those sentiments: 

I think the Flyers believe this: Look, they're turning their team over, they're gonna have a lot of young players, (and) you need good veterans around them. I think they would, in a perfect world, like to keep Laughton. But — and this is a But — if they get the right price, they'll consider it... Everybody's got a price.

David Pagnotta, also of The Fourth Period, adds that the Ottawa Senators are one team that has shown interest in Laughton. They, however, don't own a first-round pick in this year's draft. 

Laughton, 29, had career-highs in points (43), goals (18) and assists (25) this past season, as well as TOI, playing 18:17 minutes per game. 

Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports