3 Potential Trade Destinations for Flyers' Scott Laughton

Considering the trade interest from around the league, there's growing traction that the Philadelphia Flyers will trade Scott Laughton ahead of the 2025 NHL trade deadline March 7. The 30-year-old center is signed through next season at $3 million AAV, and does not have any trade protection on his contract.

Laughton is the prototypical shut-down center, who is built for playoff hockey with his in-your-face style of play. So far through 54 games this season with Philly, the Oakville, ON native has scored 11 goals and 26 points.

Here's three potential trade destinations for the Flyers' center:

Washington Capitals

The Capitals are exceeding expectation and management is going to do whatever they can to upgrade their roster ahead of the deadline, and give Alex Ovechkin a legit shot at winning another Stanley Cup. Laughton would slot in perfectly after Dylan Strome and Pierre-Luc Dubois down the middle of the ice, and if Philly will do this deal without the Caps having to deal any of their top prospects, it could certainly get done. Very likely a first-round pick winds up in Philly if Laughton is moved.

Edmonton Oilers

GM Stan Bowman would love to move Jeff Skinner and free up some cap space, and he'd also love to add to his third line and create a more shut-down focused unit heading into the playoffs. Edmonton has limited cap space so they'll have to pay a serious premium to get the Flyers to retain salary. A 2026 first-round pick could be in play, along with prospect Matt Savoie. 

Toronto Maple Leafs

Like the Oilers, the Leafs don't own their 2025 first-rounder, so they'll have to get creative to strike a deal. The Flyers won't be interested in Max Domi, but could have some interest in prospect Fraser Minten and a draft pick. Leafs' GM Brad Treliving has some work to do in order to upgrade his roster ahead of the deadline, as Toronto doesn't have much money to work with. There's also potential this deal turns into something bigger, and Rasmus Ristolainen gets involved as well.

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