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A recent report from David Pagnotta has discussed that the Ottawa Senators have expressed “serious interest” in Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers.
In this article, I will be looking at what Scott Laughton could bring to the Senators and what Ottawa should be willing to give up in a Laughton deal.
Recapping Laughton’s Season
Scott Laughton had a breakout season with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2022/2023, reaching new heights in his offensive production. Throughout 78 games, Laughton recorded career-best numbers in goals, assists, and points, scoring a respectable 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points. Note Laughton did this in 18:17 minutes a night, second among Flyers forwards trailing Konecny.
I also want to look at some of Laughton’s advanced statistics explaining how he plays. With a Corsi percentage of 48% (10th on the Flyers), he showed that he won’t be hemming opponents in but can carry his weight. His expected goals percentage of 49% enlightens that he is not elite at offense, but can contribute periodically.
Overall, Scott Laughton’s 2022/2023 season was a personal success and a testament to his development as a player. His career-high numbers in goals assists, and points appeared to showcase his offensive capabilities. However, the advanced statistics and his overall time on ice tell a slightly different story.
Leadership
Scott Laughton has consistently demonstrated his leadership qualities throughout his hockey career. His leadership journey began with the Oshawa Generals, where he wore the “A” on his jersey for a pair of seasons. Laughton earned this role by leading by example on and off the ice. His experience as an assistant captain laid the foundation for his future leadership responsibilities.
One of the notable achievements in Laughton’s leadership repertoire came when he captained the 2013-2014 World Junior Team. This prestigious role showcased his ability to rally a group of talented players from different backgrounds and guide them toward a common goal.
As A professional, Laughton’s leadership qualities have continued as he is currently an alternate captain with the Philadelphia Flyers. Laughton has been effective at providing guidance and support to his young teammates. His leadership skills have extended to the international stage where he served as an alternate captain at the world championships this year.
What Does Scott Laughton Bring To Ottawa
If Scott Laughton were to join the Senators, he would bring a plethora of valuable intangibles to the team. Some of these include a strong work ethic, a high competitive level, and a commitment to playing a responsible two-way game. Laughton’s leadership skills, as evidenced by his previous roles as captain and alternate captain, would also be an asset in the Senators’ locker room. His experience in leading teams at various levels would provide guidance and mentorship to some of the younger Senators players.
Laughton would also be a solid addition to the Senator’s penalty kill, a spot he played well in with the Flyers. Laughton has always been quite effective at limiting the opponents to gain the line while on the man advantage, which the Senators could use. Some also believe he gives the Senators some flexibility if an injury occurs in the top-6. While I don’t necessarily see that level of offensive upside, it is worth noting some do.
Should The Senators Trade For Him
While Laughton’s numbers in the 2022/2023 season were impressive, it’s worth considering that they may have been somewhat inflated due to his higher-than-average ice time. Additionally, his contract at $3 million per season is quite expensive for a bottom-six player who will likely have some regression to this past year’s statistics. These factors should apply when evaluating his overall value to a team.
Given reports that the Philadelphia Flyers have rejected a late first-round pick for Laughton, as the Senators, I would be cautious about overpaying for his services. Laughton is a bottom-six player, making me reluctant to part ways with a first-round pick. Instead, I would explore trade options that involve a second-round pick or a B-level prospect. The Senators must balance acquiring talent and maintaining reasonable value in trade negotiations.
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